Kristofor Lofgren – CEO & Founder

Kristofor is the founder and CEO of Bamboo Sushi. Kristofor is a consummate creator and likes thinking of new ways to disrupt what he views as old and outdated business models. His goal with Bamboo Sushi is to create the most innovative and creative restaurant group in America. Bamboo Sushi is the living embodiment of this mission, whereby the environment, people, community, and profits are all accounted for to the highest level, in unison, in a way not seen before in this industry.  When Kristofor is not working to foster and grow the culture and people of Team Bamboo, you can probably find him traveling to meet with suppliers, environmental scientists, and policy makers. Kristofor enjoys spending his time outside of work with his wife, family, friends and participating in adventure and adrenaline sports.

Brandon Hill – Director of Operations

Brandon has participated in almost every role in the restaurant industry. Starting at age 15 as a chef, Brandon quickly fell in love with food and service. After moving to Seattle from Denver to learn with new culinary talents, Brandon decided to give sushi a try. Almost 10 years later, Brandon was the executive sushi chef at Bamboo Sushi when it opened its doors in 2008. After many years in the kitchens of great restaurants, Brandon decided he wanted a new challenge, and become the general manager of Bamboo Sushi. Now, Brandon is taking on a new role as Director of Operations. Brandon is the captain of Team Bamboo, making sure all products, supply chains, people, and cultural values are working to their best, and highest level. When Brandon is not challenging himself in new roles, he likes spending time with his friends, camping, and having a great glass of scotch.

Jason Knowles – Executive Sushi Chef

Jason has over 21 years of sushi experience. Since he was young, Jason has been living the way of the knife, honing his craft, and becoming one of the best, and most talented sushi chefs around. Jason and his team put the “sushi” in Bamboo Sushi. He is constantly scouring the globe for the freshest, most sustainable fish, for each night at Bamboo Sushi. His leadership is one of strength and grace and he is an avid perfectionist. When not behind the sushi bar or working with his team, Jason enjoys spending time with family, friends, and good book, and a nice bourbon.

Chris Pacquette – Chef de Cuisine

Chris has had a love for restaurants and for cooking since as far back as he can remember. Growing up, Chris could not wait to get into the kitchens of great restaurants across America. While most other kids were hanging out after high school playing video games or going to the mall, Chris was busy already working in restaurants. Flash-forward to adulthood and Chris has only heightened his love and appreciation for cooking. After spending time in some of the best kitchens in the California Bay Area he decided to go try his hand in Portland’s blossoming food scene. After working in kitchens across the rose city, Chris finally found a home at Bamboo Sushi. Since then, he has been consumed with a purpose to make his life at home and at Bamboo Sushi as sustainably responsible and delicious as possible. When Chris isn’t exploring Portland’s eats he is cooking in his own kitchen or exposing his kids to such culinary delights as duck, lamb, and raw fish. Oh and anything “PORK”! When not creating new and amazing dishes at Bamboo Sushi, Chris enjoys playing drums, painting, hanging with his best friend Alyssa (his wife) or watching his favorite movies with their children…Star Wars 4-6.

Meredith Morelli – Front of House Manager

Growing up in New York City, Meredith was accustomed to amazing food and exemplary service, experiences that would shape her ability to become a hospitality leader at Bamboo Sushi. After graduating college in Ohio and spending a year in Alaska, she decided to move to Oregon to pursue a career in education; always working in restaurants throughout. After being an educator for five years she still found herself being drawn to and loving the service industry more than ever, wanting nothing more than to open her own restaurant! After leaving education and looking to start her own place she found Bamboo Sushi and realized very early on that she could postpone her ownership dreams as she had found a home. Meredith has since settled in to Bamboo Sushi growing her already vast knowledge of Front of House expertise and helping to raise the level of service and guest experience for Bamboo. Meredith is on a mission to not only do something to better this world but simultaneously provide the most incredible experience for each of her guests. During her time away from work Meredith enjoys finding athletic outlets such as hiking and yoga. If you ask her about a perfect evening after a great day of athletic fun, she says it consists of a nice glass of wine and a beautiful meal to finish a fulfilling day of work.

Adi Somadi – Sushi Chef de Cuisine

Adi is the Sushi Chef de Cuisine at the SE Bamboo Sushi. Each day, Adi focuses on creating the best experience for his guests and his Team by fostering the sacred relationship between his sushi chefs and guests through an unforgettable dining experience. He has been making sushi for over 16 years, studying and learning through hands-on training and personal experience at many restaurants in the greater Portland area. At Bamboo Sushi, he values the personal challenge of creating new, beautiful, sustainable, and intricate specials for each and every evening, while also encouraging his emerging sushi chefs through personal inspiration and positive reinforcement. When Adi is not working, he enjoys quality family time, eating out at new restaurants in his goal to continue building his knowledge of all restaurant styles….oh yeah, and playing with his puppy.

Jenn Biller – General Manger

A lifelong lover of the culinary world, Jenn has worked in the restaurant industry since 1995, and has worked in every aspect of the Front of House. Starting from humble beginnings as a cashier she has continued to expand her knowledge learning all positions from barista to busser, host to server, even bartender, and has since been managing restaurants and lounges for the last 8 years. What started out as a way to get through college, quickly became a career that she has fallen in love with. Her passion for people and food has made the hospitality industry a perfect fit. She truly enjoys the fact that she is constantly learning new things every day, whether it’s on the business side or learning what makes her team and guests click. Being a part of Team Bamboo has been the home she’s been searching for. Growing personally alongside with her team has been a truly rewarding experience for her, and continuing that growth is something she looks forward to. When Jenn isn’t working or chasing (or, rather, being chased by…) two little kiddos, she is snowboarding, laughing, camping, taking too many pictures, hiking and plotting her next adventure.

Jin Soo Yang – Executive Kitchen Chef

Having been in the industry for over half of his life, the culinary world is a true passion for Jin. The main thing he enjoys about being a chef is providing a learning environment for his team, as well as for himself. Jin has found a home at Bamboo, as he puts it, “being surrounded by such great people” everyday has created his ideal working environment. Forever learning, growing professionally, as well as personally, has strengthened Jin’s passion for his career choice. ‘Organized Chaos’ in professional kitchens is something Jin thrives on, as well as giving his guests a ‘Wow’ experience, not simply just food to eat. When he isn’t working, Jin likes to eat out at other restaurants, researching new techniques, dishes or things we can improve on what we already do. He also loves to snowboard, mountain bike, and fish, – pretty much anything that has to do with nature and being in the outdoors.

Chris Jones – Bar Manager

Christopher Jones is a twenty-two year veteran of the service industry. He has worked in most aspects of the business. From Dishwasher to General Manager he brings his creativity, cultivated at The Oregon College of Art and Craft and, his work ethic instilled by his dynamic and loving parents Zandy and Roy. He works every day with two core values: work for your guest and work for your teammates. When not creating killer cocktails behind the bar, you can find Chris outside. He is also a great golfer.

Clint Bohling – Chef de Cuisine

Clint’s obsession with food started at an early age, tasting anything and everything he could get his hands on. He traveled abroad extensively through his 20′s, which opened his eyes to a whole new world of culture and cuisine. Coming up in the kitchens of Chicago hardened him for the competitive kitchens of the Northwest.  Working mostly in euro-centric kitchens until now, he has set a new and exciting culinary goal for himself by coming to the Japanese and Asian-focused kitchen at Bamboo Sushi. On the rare occasions he gets out of the kitchen, Clint enjoys spending time snowboarding, foraging and fishing or just relaxing with a glass of rye and a good book.

Sean Zearley – Bar Manager

Sean began his restaurant career in central and northern California. In 1999, after having moved to Hawaii, he explored his first managment experience with Honolulu’s own “MAI TAI BAR”. Sean’s primary passion however, has been the bar. Whether creating new and exciting cocktails or educating one of his regulars on sake, Sean loves the fast-paced, fun, and engaging conversations he gets to partake in behind his bar. Sean has over 17 years experience bartending and has put his considerable knowledge to use at Bamboo Sushi by creating new and exciting drink specials, as well as furthering Bamboo Sushi’s warm, Team driven hospitality. In his free time Sean likes to spend every moment he can with his wife Karli and his daughter Izzi. He also enjoys jazz, life outdoors, and the endless possibilities that the future holds. In short, Sean wants to spend his time working with people who are interested in making a dent in the universe, thereby, living a life worth living, creating and inspiring positive change.