DAMON CHO | Founder, CEO, Owner Chef

Chef Damon Cho is a distinguished culinary expert with over 18 years of experience in the restaurant industry. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in California, Chef Cho honed his skills at renowned establishments such as Nobu, Four Seasons, and Tao, where he mastered the core principles of culinary excellence and exceptional customer service. His dedication to refining his craft and developing innovative recipes has defined his career.

In 2009, Chef Cho opened his first Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, which quickly became a resounding success, leading to the launch of a second location in San Francisco in 2012. Driven by his belief that a restaurant should be more than just a place to eat—it should be a space where people gather with family and friends to create meaningful memories—he founded Izakaya Osen in Silverlake in 2017. Building on its success, Chef Cho expanded the Osen brand with a second Izakaya Osen location in Irvine in October 2022. That same month, he introduced Omakase by Osen, which specializes in omakase and hand rolls, further showcasing his commitment to delivering an authentic and elevated dining experience.

Osen Group remains focused on growth and innovation, with plans to open new locations in San Diego and Las Vegas in the near future. Chef Cho’s unwavering dedication to quality, tradition, and hospitality continues to shape the Osen Group’s reputation as a leader in Japanese cuisine.