User:Robertburdette

Robert L. Burdette, Jr. was born July 25th, 1980 in Athens, Ohio. He was raised primarily by his grandfather, Kenneth McClellan, until the age of twelve just outside of Glouster, Ohio. "BJ" (as his family affectionately coined him) was an independent child, often found playing alone or with imaginary friends. Neighbors were far and few between where he grew up, so he developed a keen imagination at an early age, showing great interest in drawing, painting and cooking.

By age 13, he had garnered quite a reputation as being foolhardy, artistic, and very outgoing amongst his fellow school-aged peers. Though his antics often landed him in hot water with the local elementary, middle and high schools, he remained poised as the resident class clown until graduation. BJ was a natural leader and also an award winning athlete during his high school career, focusing mainly on football and track and field.

After high school, BJ enlisted in the Army, where he served two years at Fort Benning, GA., as a Light Infantry Gunner. He rose quickly in the ranks, reaching the command of Corporal before his time was up. Six months later, he enlisted in the Ohio National Guard, where he finished out another 6 year commitment, finishing his military career at the rank of Staff Sergeant.

With the help of financial aide and the Montgomery G.I. Bill, BJ graduated from both Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio and Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He received an AA from Hocking in Culinary Arts and a BA in Business from OU. In 2007, he finished his culinary schooling by attending and graduation from The American Culinary School of Arts in New York, where he earned the rank of Certified Executive Chef -- at one time, the youngest in the state of Ohio. He has managed such restaurants as Ruby Tuesdays and Max & Erma's in Columbus, Ohio.

BJ currently lives in McConnelsville, Ohio, where he owns and manages his own restaurant, The Boondocks BBQ & Grill. His food has been a winner at many culinary competitions and has even been featured on the Food Network.