Jonathan Penny Focuses on Local Flavors, Wellness Programs to Create Memorable Mealtime Experience
QUEENSTOWN, Md. — The new Dining Experience Director at Queenstown Landing senior living community brings both heart and flavor to the table.
Jonathan “JP” Penny, a New England native with decades of food service experience, has joined the community with a clear mission. Make every meal not just nourishing, but memorable.
Growing up in a small town as one of 10 children, Penny discovered his love for cooking as a teenager.
“The kitchen is where all the action was when I was a little kid growing up,” Penny said. “When people came over to our house, the kitchen was everything. That’s what really got me started in the kitchen.”
From those early roots, his determination and work ethic helped Penny navigate the career path he chose.
Penny worked his way up from dishwasher to bus boy at restaurants and eateries, eventually apprenticing under a local chef. His early experiences lit the spark that would define his career.
“It’s a good time for me to cook. I enjoy it,” Penny said. “My love of cooking and making people happy with my food is what inspires me every day.”
Penny plans to bring fresh ideas — and fresh flavors — to the table at Queenstown Landing. He is focused on combining his love of food with his commitment to resident wellness.
“I plan on using as much local-sourced products available to me,” Penny said. “We’re going to do Eastern Shore entrees. Different holidays, Cinco de Mayo, Oktoberfest, Thanksgiving and all of those fun dates.”
By drawing on both regional specialties and festive traditions, Penny hopes to create meals that feel both familiar and exciting to residents.
But for Penny, dining isn’t just about the menu. Education and wellness also play important roles.
“I do a seminar on senior nutrition,” he explained. “There is a different pyramid for seniors as there is a different one for younger kids. I try to educate on the importance of a balanced diet. A lot of times seniors get stuck on one food. I explain all the benefits to your health and how you just feel better when you have a balanced diet.”
To make food even more engaging, Penny plans to host interactive programs such as cooking demonstrations and nutrition talks, where residents can experience new flavors and techniques firsthand. He’s also bringing back a crowd favorite: the carving station, which adds a sense of tradition and excitement to the dining room.
The new direction at Queenstown Landing shouldn’t be a surprise. Through the years, Penny built an impressive culinary résumé.
He owned and operated two restaurants, a catering business and a nightclub in New England. He moved to Baltimore in the early 2000s. There, he served as catering chef for the Maryland Institute College of Art and contributed to special events such as the Maryland Film Festival, featuring the iconic filmmaker John Waters.
Armed with a business management education from Anne Arundel College and multiple industry certifications, including ServSafe, Penny brings not only creativity but also an unwavering commitment to safety, quality and consistency.
Since 2014, he has made his home on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
“JP brings such a passion and excitement to the dining program, you can’t help but notice,” said Kelly Johnson, Executive Operations Officer at Queenstown Landing. “We are really excited to have his commitment, consistency and genuine love for what he does here at Queenstown Landing.”
With Penny’s insight and leadership, Queenstown Landing residents can expect menus that reflect both his professional expertise and his hometown warmth, with a blend of comfort, creativity and community on every plate.
For more information, contact Kelly Johnson, Executive Operations Officer, Queenstown Landing, at kjohnson@integracare.com or call 410.304.2005.