Phillip Ozaki

What is the name of Phil’s restaurant?

Phil’s restaurant is called Roe Japanese Fusion, and it is located in Sierra Madre.
 

How did Phill learn about cooking?

Phil finds that his education is accumulated from all of his years and experience. However, Phil did attend cooking school. In four years, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in culinary management.

He found it in culinary school; you get a taste of everything. Your intro class teaches you stocks, sauces, basic cooking skills, knife cuts, etc.

As you progress through classes, the courses become much more specific to particular cuisines.

He was disappointed that when he graduated, he was told technically, he was still not a chef.
 

Where did Phill grow up?

Phil grew up in San Gabriel Valley.

He was born in Pasadena but spent a lot of time in Arcadia. Regrettably, Phil got into some trouble in his younger years, was kicked out of Arcadia High School, and was sent to a Mississippi military home. It was a correctional home.

Cooking was huge for Phil because he acknowledged if not for cooking, he was on a direct path to either jail or the grave.
 

What was Phil doing during his young adulthood that led to him going to Mississippi?

Looking back, Phil believes a lot of his struggles and choices were centered around wanting to fit in and be liked by his peers.

Phil was into drugs and trying to get into cliques and other groups.
 

When did Phil start getting into basketball?

Phil remembers playing basketball for his entire life. He started out playing in a local church league and played as young as he could walk. Phil’s father actually coached him and his team.

Phil wasn’t able to play organized basketball in school. He was talented enough to make the teams, but his poor grades would keep him out of sports.

Normally, his basketball playing would take place at the park with his friends.

Phil remembers growing up, his dad would take him to McDonald’s, and then while Phil ate McDonald’s in the car, his father would play pick-up basketball. It was mostly adults, so Phil hardly got to play.

But, as people were leaving and they would have three people and be desperate for a fourth, Phil would jump in and be able to play.
 

Where is Phil’s favorite shot on the court?

Phil likes getting to the basket because he enjoys jumping and flying around. However, contrary to many popular NBA stars, Phil prefers the mid-range shot.
 

Did Phil always envision opening his own restaurant?

Since Phil left Mississippi, he was set on trying his own restaurant, especially after hearing how difficult it was. He loved the challenge.

He always wanted to open a BBQ restaurant because he loves Barbecue, but his goal is to open a breakfast restaurant next.
 

What other business venture has Phil had?

One of Phil’s first real chef jobs was at a restaurant on the West Side, and he was given the opportunity by a mentor chef. The food he cooked was poorly received, but since he took constructive criticism well, he was hired.

He ended up being there for about a year. A few friends asked him to help create a menu for a restaurant they wanted to open up.

And Phil did, and shortly after that, they offered him a salary position and a percentage of ownership in the restaurant.

The owner where Phil worked told him he would end up taking it, and initially, Phil said he wouldn’t leave because he was loyal. But he jumped on the opportunity.

He actually did not like the menu he created for them in terms of what he would want to cook. So, to come on as a chef, they had to agree to allow him to change the menu and have opinions on the decor and the marketing, which they were cool with.

He actually trademarked the official hot dog of Los Angeles.

Eventually, the style of the restaurant shifted away from hotdogs to LA street food, which led to disagreements between Phil and the other owners.

With the restaurant losing money, they bought Phil out of his share of the company due to his fear of having to pay money if it went under.
 

What is Phil doing now?

For a long time after the pandemic, Phil spent a lot of his time snowboarding. In his mind, he became a snow bum.

His buddy, Eddie, who does real estate, was helping Phil find a restaurant. He sent Phil an option in the Sierra Madre, and they checked it out.

They calculated the risks and considered the fact that restaurants were starting to open up again post-pandemic, so they decided to go for it. It was already a Japanese fusion restaurant, and the original owners wanted to sell and move to Tennessee.
 

What has it been like owning the restaurant?

Every day there is something different. Phil has extensive chef experience, but he’s never opened his own business before.

All of the tax documents, small business information, and hiring ventures were completely new to Phil.

They have a liquor license, too, and a food truck which opened up a can of worms with insurance.
 

What are a few things on the menu that Phil would recommend?

Two major dishes that Phil would recommend is the steak fried rice and a unique baked mac and cheese.