Johnny de Triquet is a Senior Studio Leader with Life Time who says, “you can quite literally do it all here,” about Hell’s Kitchen, where he lives with his husband, Carlos. He’s also got links to Miss America and Miss USA! Find out more as Johnny shares his West Side Story.
So what’s your New York story? Born here, or just arrived?
I grew up in Virginia and spent a few years soaking up the southern charm of Tennessee before finally packing my bags for New York City in 2010. Ever since my very first high school trip to NYC back in 1999 — when I was instantly hypnotized by the bright lights, bagels and sheer chaos — I knew I’d eventually find my way to the Big Apple! My career has taken me on some amazing detours through cities like Miami, Dallas and San Francisco, but let’s be honest: there’s only one city where you can get world-class pizza at 3am, watch a Broadway show and dodge a cab all in the same 10-minute walk. There really is no place on earth quite like New York City!
What was your first job? What do you do now?
When I first landed in NYC, I juggled two very different worlds — working as a server at ABC Kitchen and teaching part-time as a cycle instructor for several luxury fitness brands. At the time, ABC was one of the city’s hottest dining spots, so it was pretty surreal to spend my nights serving celebs like Martha Stewart, Katy Perry and plenty of other famous faces that I pretended not to fangirl over while carrying a tray of cocktails! But after about six months of balancing plates and pedals, I knew it was time to take the leap into fitness full-time.
I spent the next several years teaching and mentoring in the boutique fitness scene before joining Life Time in 2018, where I now serve as a Senior Studio Leader here in Manhattan. It’s an absolute privilege to lead such an incredible team of fitness professionals as Life Time continues to grow, with multiple locations across NYC. My office is out of our One Wall location, but you’ll often find me teaching a spin class or sweating it out in classes everywhere — from 23rd Street all the way up to our stunning SKY club on W42nd!
What’s your favorite New York minute (or moment) so far?
My all-time favorite New York moment happened on Friday, August 11, around 3pm, when I married my now-husband Carlos at City Hall! After we made it official, we celebrated with an intimate dinner of about 10 close friends at Buddakan (yes, the Sex and the City one), then trekked back to The Dickens in Hell’s Kitchen, where a private section was waiting for my Life Time family to join the party.
The energy was absolutely electric — being surrounded by so many from my team as Carlos and I toasted to our future felt like a true NYC dream come true! It was one of those magical New York days where everything just clicks, and I couldn’t stop thanking God for the incredible blessing of marriage and for the amazing people I get to call part of my everyday life.
Johnny and his husband Carlos were married at City Hall. Photo supplied.
Share with us why you love Hell’s Kitchen
I love Hell’s Kitchen because you can quite literally do it all here — Broadway shows around the corner, incredible food and bars on every block and endless culture at your fingertips. I live in The Whitby building, and one of my favorite ways to unwind is to head up to our rooftop with a glass of wine and chat with my neighbors. The cast of characters is amazing: Broadway performers, fashion industry trailblazers and plenty of other fascinating personalities. Hell’s Kitchen perfectly captures the diversity, creativity, and sheer energy that make New York City unlike anywhere else in the world!
What’s your superpower or hidden talent?
I’ve always felt that my true calling, and perhaps superpower, is leading a team. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than bringing together a mix of talented, dynamic people, rallying them around a shared goal, and creating an environment where everyone feels seen, supported and excited to do great work. I think I inherited this love of leadership from my late father, who spent his life guiding others through his work in medicine and civil service. Watching him lead with heart, purpose and humility showed me early on that leadership isn’t just about results — it’s about lifting people up and helping them thrive together. Oh — also my alter-ego is “Chef Johnny D” because I LOVE to cook!
Johnny previously worked as a pageant coach with contestants who went on to both Miss America and Miss USA. Photos supplied.
What else should we know about you?
Although my full-time focus is now with Life Time, I once had a very different gig — as a pageant coach in Virginia, Tennessee and New York City. Over the years, I was fortunate enough to coach contestants who went on to both Miss America and Miss USA. It was such a fun and empowering chapter of my life, helping young women prepare for every element of competition and chase their dreams with confidence. Pageants sometimes get a bad rap, but my experience was the opposite: I watched countless contestants grow in poise, self-assurance and resilience, and many have since launched incredible careers as doctors, lawyers, entertainers, and beyond. And while Life Time keeps me busy, I still do a bit of consulting on the side to help the next generation of competitors shine!
Johnny’s Favorite Hell’s Kitchen Places
ritas — 756 9th Ave (corner W51st St)
Hands down, they serve the best frozen margaritas in town! I love coming here for a laid-back cocktail with friends — especially during their happy hour taco special. The staff is always warm and welcoming, and it’s the perfect easygoing spot to catch up after work or grab a drink before heading to a Broadway show.
Life Time at SKY — 605 W42nd St (bw 11/12th Ave)
I kicked off my Life Time journey at our SKY location, and it is hands down one of the most stunning spots in all of Hell’s Kitchen! From top-notch classes (catch me at 10am on Saturdays!) to the breathtaking rooftop pool — where I also moonlight as the backstage director for the annual New York Swim Week — SKY delivers a true luxury athletic-club experience right in the heart of HK.
FLEX — 405 W51st St (bw 9/10th Ave)
I love FLEX mainly because of my favorite bartender Gio. I have known Gio since 2010, so coming to FLEX for a beer (or three) always feels like the perfect LGBTQ+ home!
Delphinium Home — 353 W47th St (bw 8/9th Ave)
This shop is an absolute gem for finding unique, NYC-inspired gifts for any occasion. Every holiday or birthday, I love stopping by to pick up a fun mug, quirky magnet, stylish candle, or some other unforgettable find.
Amy’s Bread — 672 9th Ave (bw W46/47th St)
How can anyone resist Amy’s Bread for a sweet treat? Their carrot cake is hands down the best I’ve ever had in all of NYC!
Brow Society NYC — 433 W45th St (bw 9/10th Ave)
They are the absolute best! I love coming here and making a lamination/tint appointment with the owner Santi, who is the best in the biz!
You can follow Johnny on Instagram at @thejohnnydnyc. If you know someone who would make a great West Side Story (or you would like to nominate yourself), please fill in this form — w42st.info/WSSnominations.
You can check out more West Side Stories and reader recommendations on W42ST’s Hell’s Kitchen Local App.