Behind the camera of a fast-paced, mouth-watering food video – cracking jokes, reacting in real time, and sharing his latest Bay Area find – is a familiar kind of personality. The kind you’d expect walking through the halls of Archbishop Riordan High School.

John Montoya ’11 has turned that same energy into a growing social media presence through his Instagram account @_wheresthefoodat, where he highlights food, fitness, fashion, and lifestyle across San Francisco and the Bay altogether.

What began as a personal interest has grown into a platform followed by more than 26,000 people.

But Montoya’s content isn’t built on trends or internet personality; rather, it’s built on being himself, something he traces back to his time at Riordan.

That authenticity is what separates his content. Whether he’s trying a new restaurant or sharing a quick thought mid- video, Montoya’s approach feels natural – more like a conversation with the viewer rather than a performance.

Montoya explained the idea: “If you allow yourself to be genuine and honest, the rest will follow.”

While it may not seem like it, Riordan may have played a role in his interest in food, and it started in an unexpected place.

Owner of Ocean Subs, Lee Opelina ’95, believes that authenticity is exactly what makes Montoya’s content stand out.

“What I like most about John’s food blog is his perspective,” Opelina said. “He doesn’t come off arrogant, in your face, or pretentious… when he tries new foods it feels like we’re learning alongside with him.”

Art teacher Irman Arcibal taught Montoya his senior year and follows his Instagram. Arcibal said, “Though his food review posts are popular, I personally like the ones where he posts about hidden gems in San Francisco and the surrounding areas, even ones not necessarily food related.”

Although food and blogging can be seen as an art form, Montoya drew inspiration from another class at Riordan.

“Honestly, the class that changed me the most was P.E.,” Montoya said. “I started lifting weights and learned more about nutrition, which led me into cooking… and my love of food, fitness, and culture.”

Like many social media creators, Montoya didn’t  immediately jump into posting. The ideas were always there, but hesitation held him back.

“I would have started sooner,” Montoya said. “I’ve always had ideas, but I was timid and my own biggest critic… I wish I had just stayed consistent and kept going.”

Now, looking back, that’s exactly what he encourages current Riordan students to do.

“My biggest piece of advice is to just pick up your camera and start,” Montoya said. “I truly believe everyone has talent and a personality worth sharing… just do it.”

Arcibal believes, “Food blogging can be very insightful. The format of social media allows us to find many places that we might not otherwise have had the time to find on our own. John and several other local food bloggers do it in a very responsible, open, and honest way.”

Montoya’s message reflects a bigger theme behind his journey: growth comes from taking risks, regardless of the conditions. And while his account continues to grow, one thing hasn’t changed: the mindset he developed years ago.

“Heeeckkkk no!!!” Montoya replied when asked if he expected to build a following in high school. “I never thought I’d be making food, cooking, and fashion content for 26K followers… I’m so proud of myself.”

From the Riordan hallways to thousands of screens around the world, Montoya’s story shows how far authenticity and passion can take you.