Today we’d like to introduce you to John Cosgrove.
Hi John, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
John Cosgrove is a seasoned hospitality leader and business owner with over 25 years of experience in food, beverage, and event production across the DMV region. A native Washingtonian—born in D.C., raised in Maryland, and now a proud resident of Loudoun County—John brings a customer-first philosophy and a deep commitment to community into every venture.
He is the co-owner of Leesburg Public House, a beloved neighborhood gathering place now entering a vibrant new chapter under his leadership.
John also co-founded Open Fire Catering, a chef-driven live-fire catering company that blends bold flavors with refined hospitality. Prior to this, he founded Eco Caters DC and spent over a decade leading SuperFd, which served as the Official Team Caterer for several major professional sports organizations—including the Washington Capitals, Wizards, Nationals, Mystics, and Spirit, as well as the LA Kings and the Premier Lacrosse League. This experience reflects John’s long-standing work with elite clientele, from athletes to executives, always marked by discretion, excellence, and a deep understanding of hospitality at the highest level.
With a background in systems engineering and project management, John’s approach is both strategic and hands-on. One of his top priorities is fostering employee-first environments—places where staff feel supported, valued, and inspired to grow. John lives in Loudoun County with his wife and three children.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Lord no. Scaling multiple times, Covid, children, inflation, good partners, bad partners, good employees, bad employees… it goes on and on.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Leesburg Public House and Open Fire Catering?
LPH:
Leesburg Public House is a beloved neighborhood restaurant in Loudoun County, now entering a vibrant new chapter under the leadership of co-owners John Cosgrove and Executive Chef Aldrin Asencio. After a decade of passionate ownership, original founders Mark Marrocco and Kim Ross have passed the torch, leaving behind a strong legacy built on family values, hospitality, and community connection.
OFC:
Open Fire Catering was founded by longtime friends and collaborators Aldrin Asencio and John Cosgrove—bringing together decades of experience in restaurants, catering, and hospitality. Together, they’ve built a company rooted in tradition, driven by craft, and fueled by a genuine passion for open-fire cooking.
Chef Aldrin Asencio, a native of Uruguay, grew up immersed in the culture of live-fire cooking, where food is prepared with care, intention, and a deep connection to land and community. After moving to the United States, he refined his skills under acclaimed chefs like Roberto Donna and Michel Richard, eventually building a career that spanned fine dining, catering, and large-scale culinary events.
John Cosgrove, a seasoned hospitality professional, brought to the partnership a deep expertise in guest experience, operational strategy, and the logistics of delivering exceptional food at scale—shaped by years of leading successful culinary ventures and producing high-level events.
Together, they created Open Fire Catering to offer something different: a chef-led, hospitality-driven experience built on authenticity, seasonality, and the transformative power of fire.
Any big plans?
Growth across the East Coast and Mountain West. Re-entry into Pro Sports Catering. A trade association and importing/distribution.
Contact Info:
- Website: openfirecatering.com , the-lph.com
- Instagram: @leesburgpublichouse , @open.fire.catering
