TEAM

JOE CAJIPE

HEAD SUSHI CHEF

Joe’s culinary roots and love of Asian cuisine stems from working in the kitchen with his family while growing up. He moved here from the Philippines at 17 years old and started working at his aunt’s traditional Filipino restaurant in Chandler. Since then, he has developed an innate passion for Japanese cuisine and culture and has spent the past 10 years working for esteemed sushi and Asian fusion restaurants like SumoMaya. He thrives off of working with inventive ingredients and flavors that entice the palate and keep you coming back for more.

Favorite roll to craft: Rolls are cool, but I get the most fun from making nigiri. Making omakase nigiri plates allows me to be in my element and get creative.

Favorite roll to chow down on: Bad & Buri as far as rolls go, but anything weird like oysters, uni, or fish roe get me going. The complexity of the flavors and textures is incomparable. The weirder the better.

Band listened to the most: I have been listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers all my life. I also love The Alabama Shakes. Honorable mention to J. Cole - not a band, but a GOAT.

Favorite cocktail on the menu: Toshi Old Fashioned - I will order every variation of an Old Fashioned. Though I must mention that our Espresso Martini is probably the best Espresso Martini I have ever tasted.

Always drinking: Water, unless I am with Dan and Julian.

Always listening to: My mom, especially when she’s mad.

JULIAN WRIGHT

FOUNDER & CEO

Having opened over 19 restaurants across three states in the past 22 years, Julian is no stranger to the food and beverage industry. He founded his hospitality company Fork & Dagger Hospitality, in 2000 with his first bar Jax Thai Bar gaining immediate success in Downtown Tempe. His most recent venture is Pedal Haus Brewery, which has several valleywide locations and a number of local, national, and international craft beer awards to its name. He most recently launched a series of new concepts in the Roosevelt Row Arts District including Luckys Indoor Outdoor, Kähvi Coffee + Cafe, and now the first Sake Haus location. He’s now a downtown Phoenix resident and an active participant in the community and its development.

Favorite Beverages:
The Pedal Haus Pilsner, Sake, and tequila

Favorite Travel Destinations:  Tulum, Mexico and London, England

What are you listening to now?  Wetleg, GRIZ, Sad Night Dynamite