Beloved Chef John looks out at the community who came out to wish him well and send him off with love. Photo Credit: David Finkel Photography

By Cameron Nudleman

Congregation Agudas Achim had a wonderful time honoring the beloved Chef John Sutton at his retirement celebration event. Members described the event as a wonderful way to honor John, show him love and be together as a community.

The celebration occurred Sunday, December 5, 2021. The event began with a family hour which included a magician, sufganiyot building station and a football toss. The events were planned as a wonderful way for families with young children to celebrate with Chef John and wish him well.

Chef John receives uproarious applause from the community at the culmination of his celebration weekend. Photos Credit: David Finkel Photography

Following the family hour, there were many of Chef John’s favorite things that guests were able to enjoy such as casino games, Dallas Cowboys and delicious barbeque.

After folks were able to nosh on some lunch and kibbutz with Chef John and other community members the program began. A tribute video featuring John’s family, current and past coworkers, and friends was played. There was even a special video tribute from Chef John’s favorite football player, Terrell Owens!

Rabbi Gail Swedroe and Rabbi Neil Blumofe share a moment of levity with Chef John during the presentation honoring his career. Photos Credit: David Finkel Photography

Several speakers shared memories of working with Chef John including Rabbi Neil Blumofe, Rabbi Gail Swedroe, CAA President Gary Susswein, Event Chair Eddie Selig, and members of the community. They were especially honored to welcome Mayor Steve Adler who thanked Chef John for his many years of service and declared December 5, John Sutton Appreciation Day!

Chef John Sutton has been an integral part of the Jewish community in Austin for over three decades. Congregation Agudas Achim will be forever grateful to him for his years of dedicated service and was thrilled to honor him with such a fun celebration.

Planning Committee members Eddie Selig (Event Chair), Nora Lieberman, Terry Milman and Milton Marvin pose with the man of the hour, Chef John Sutton (center). Photos Credit: David Finkel Photography

CAA thanks the following sponsors for their support of this event.

Schnapps Superstars: The Rubinett Families Party Like a Lox Star: Karen & David Brenner, Lauren & Seth Halpern, The Kogut Family, The Lieberman/Rudy Families, Melanie Lewis

Big Tzimmes: Patti & Mike Abkowitz, Shantel & David Ferdman,  Cooky, David, Sarah & Shayna Goldblatt, BJ & Stan Friedman, Clariette & Marvin Joseph, Debbie & Milton Marvin and Melisa & Craig Markman, Juanita Silberstein & Family, Irene & Byron Smith, Mark Smith and Celia & David Smith, The Worob Families

The Full Schmear: CAA Brotherhood, CAA Sisterhood, Mae & Mark Levitan, Margaret Menicucci & Michael Whellan, Terry & Steve Milman, Rosalie & Joe Oliveri, Cathy Schechter & Eddie Selig, Margo & Arthur Smith, Melanie, Gary, Mitchell & Liora Susswein, Sari & Mel Waxler, Suzanne & Marc Winkelman

Whole Latke Love: CAA Hazak, Anne & Rabbi Neil F. Blumofe and Rabbi Gail Swedroe & David Goodman, Rowena & Steve Chodorow, Michael Churgin, Pixie & Mark Cohn, Robin & Marty Davis, Linda & Teddy Druss, Bettie & Brian Forman, Cindy & Ed Fudman, Paz & Rick Goldberg, Fran & Dan Hamermesh, Isabelle Headrick & Mike Hurewitz, Sharon & Ken Herman, Cynthia & Sandy Levinson, Neena Husid & Hillary Miller, Shari & Craig Jankowsky, Andrea & Walter Kalmans, The Kunik Family, Rob & Wendy Milman, Diane & Charles Radin, Karen & David Reifler, Sandy & Marshall Sack, Joanne & Jeff Senyk, Suzy Seriff & Robert Cullick, Marsha & Geoffrey Strongin, Bill Waxman, Amy & Jerry Webberman, Judy & Mark Yudof and Monica & Zvi Yaniv