John Ragan

Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, John developed a passion for hospitality at a young age while working in restaurants throughout high school and college.

While pursuing a graduate degree in urban planning at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, John visited California’s wine country and realized he wanted to pursue a career in hospitality. He relocated to Napa to follow this passion, working as a sommelier at local restaurants, and later moved to San Francisco to become the sommelier at the acclaimed Campton Place, which earned four stars from the San Francisco Chronicle during his tenure.

In 2006, John moved to New York City to become Wine Director at Eleven Madison Park. Over five years, the restaurant earned four stars from The New York Times, three Michelin stars, a James Beard Foundation Award for “Outstanding Wine Service,” and a Grand Award from Wine Spectator. In 2012, John became a member of the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers, and in 2014, he joined the Court’s exam committee, contributing to the development of Master Sommelier exams.

In his current role as President, USHG Restaurants, John oversees all restaurant operations, supports new business openings, and leads USHG’s award-winning wine programs and private dining teams. Most recently, he has focused on the successful launch and continued success of Manhatta, USHG’s restaurant perched sixty stories above Lower Manhattan.