About Us

THE SWEET & SAVORY CLASSROOM: A CULINARY KITCHEN WITH A MISSION:

Our Mission: Our mission is to bring the art of food close to home allowing all who join us at The Sweet and Savory Classroom to learn how to perfectly execute their culinary passions in the palm of their own hands.

Your Experience: At the Sweet and Savory Classroom you will experience something a “little different” than just about anywhere else. You will be pleasantly surprised at how inviting the kitchen is making it feel a little like home but begging for fun. Every class is expertly designed for maximum participation. We make you work hard, learn, and reward yourself with amazing food created with your own two hands.

Our Commitment: We are committed to creating an environment that is the perfect place to have for fun, learn something new, and experience the time of your life.

THE SWEET AND SAVORY TEAM:

Together, Jeff and Heather bring over 40 years of culinary skills, leadership, and teaching experience to Chattanooga. Both having a passion to see people learn and grow is what fuels these two in their dream come true, “to eat well and share how to cook with others.” Jeff and Heather have known each other for over 20 years meeting in Asheville, NC. They have been married for 11 years and are proud parents of Julianna, Eva, and Mabel.

Chef Jeff Pennypacker

Chef Jeff formally trained at Johnson and Wales University, Graduating top of his class at the best culinary program in the U.S. He has been cooking since he was 16 years old with plans to continue for a lifetime. From simple bar food to 4 star dining Jeff has experienced it all. After serving as a Chef at the Biltmore Estate for 7 years he started Masterpiece Ice sculptures turning it into a successful small business which he then sold to pursue passions as an award winning speaker, business coach, and founding member of the John Maxwell Leadership Team.

Jeff has honed his hospitality, business, and leadership skills for many years taking his refined skills into the marketplace as an Adjunct instructor at AB-Tech Community College Culinary Program, Culinary instructor at Dough restaurant, and Founder of Underdog Ministries (Mentoring for families and youth), Author of Broken Boys - Extraordinary Men Book.

Jeff has now combined his love for food, leadership, and developing others through a joint venture with his Pastry Chef wife, Heather, to bring you the Sweet and Savory Classroom, a culinary kitchen with a mission.


“I love to teach so it’s become my greatest passion to share my life with yours while breaking bread (and many other foods) and having a wonderful time.“ Jeff

Chef Heather Pennypacker

Chef Heather formally trained at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Academy of Culinary Arts (IUP) which is one of the top culinary programs in the country. She has since developed her talents at the Historic Grove Park Inn and as the Pastry Chef at Deerpark Restaurant on the grounds of the famous Biltmore Estate for over twelve years. Chef Heather’s experience ranges from intricate desserts, petits, and cookies, to breads, pastries, and well over 1000 wedding cakes.

The richness and depth of Chef Heather’s experience is highlighted by her unquenchable desire to learn. Chef Heather has spent time at the world famous Ewald Notters school with Collette Peters on cake decorating and gum paste flowers and has an associates degree in sign language.

Chef Heather has since left the professional kitchen to take her wealth of knowledge and share it with others. Heather is passionate about teaching and uses her unique ability to translate complex baking and pastry concepts to educate students and the public. She was an instructor for the University of Tennessee in their Culinary program and now has brought all of her talents to Chattanooga to call home.

Though humble in person, her talents have not gone unnoticed. Heather has been featured in Southern Living, Grace Ormond, and numerous times in Western North Carolina Magazines and live television segments. She was also recognized by IUP and asked to speak as an Alumni at graduation.