John Brazzell
Paia,Hawaii
Summary
Experienced and passionate Head Sushi Chef with nearly two decades of culinary expertise specializing in Japanese cuisine. Proven track record of leading kitchen operations, creating innovative and visually stunning sushi dishes, and training culinary staff to uphold the highest standards of food quality and presentation. Skilled in menu development, inventory management, and ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow in a fast-paced restaurant environment. Adept at fostering a collaborative team atmosphere and consistently exceeding customer expectations through exceptional culinary creations.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Sushi Cook 1
Nobu
04.2025 - Current
- Pleasantly welcomed patrons entering sushi bar, offering to explain menu options.
- Prepared high-quality seafood, rice and ingredients for sushi.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
Head Sushi Chef
Vana - Paia, Hawaii
03.2022 - 11.2024
- Recruited by previous executive sushi chef from Blue Sushi. Relocated from Colorado to Maui.
- Work on a team of 1-3 sushi chefs and 2 kitchen staff serving up to 85 seats for dinner service.
- Oversaw inventory management, ordering supplies and maintaining optimal levels to minimize waste and ensure smooth operations
- Maintained strict sanitation and safety protocols in accordance with health regulations, achieving an exceptional score on all health inspections
Sushi Chef
Uchi - Denver, Colorado
10.2021 - 03.2022
- Expertly prepared izikaya style dishes in accordance with traditional Japanese recipes and quality standards. . worked on a team of 7 dicsiplined sushi chefs, 8 kitchen chefs seating 80-100 depending on weather. 400+ covers on saturday nights.
- Demonstrated intricate knife skills and precise cutting techniques to create visually appealing and delicious nigiri.
- Proficient in handling and slicing raw fish with precision and adhering to strict food safety and sanitation guidelines.
- Skilled in creating visually appealing and delicious sushi platters that meet and exceed customer expectations.
Sushi Chef
Blue Sushi - Denver, Colorado
03.2018 - 03.2020
- Demonstrated expertise in sushi rolling techniques, including maki, nigiri, and sashimi
- Worked on a team of 6 sushi chefs and 3-4 kitchen chefs serving ~200 seats for lunch and dinner.
- Changed the set-up in the sushi bar to create a more efficient work space, cutting time on every plate.
- Orchestrated tickets and delegated certain items to colleagues depending on skill level leading to 5 minute ticket times.
Sushi Chef
Sushi Tora - Boulder, Colorado
02.2016 - 12.2017
- Trained under 2 talented Japanese sushi Chefs from one of yelps highest rated restaraunts in Boulder, Colorado.
- Learned a variety of sauces, techniques, and traditional recipes from japanese sushi chefs and kitchen staff.
- Worked on a team of 3 sushi chefs and 1 kitchen staff serving 30 seats
- Focused on omakase style dishes utilizing traditional techniques and expert knife skills
- Consistently met and exceeded customer satisfaction by delivering exceptional culinary experiences and menu suggestions to patrons.
Head Sushi Chef
iSushi - Denver, Colorado
02.2015 - 01.2016
- Lead a 2 man team in a restaraunt mostly specializing in to-go orders and the art walk in Denver every first friday of the month serving ~60 seats
- Ensured quality and consistency in all sushi dishes and maintaining high standards of food safety and cleanliness.
- Trained and mentored entry-level sushi chefs in traditional Japanese culinary techniques, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
Sushi Roller
Hana Matsuri - Westminster, Colorado
01.2013 - 02.2015
- Worked on a team of 3 sushi chefs and 1 kitchen staff serving ~60 seats in a family owned and operated restaraunt.
- Responsible for crafting all sushi rolls, and all basic prep.
- Assisted head chef with cutting fish.
- Able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while ensuring accuracy and attention to detail in sushi preparation
Sushi Chef
Hapa - Denver, Colorado
08.2009 - 12.2012
- Worked on a team of 5 sushi chefs, 3 kitchen staff serving ~120 seats in a high voluume establishment with heavy foot traffic on the Pearl St. Mall.
- Exhibited excellent knife skills and knowledge of traditional Japanese sushi techniques, including preparing rice, slicing fish, and crafting all sushi menu items including sashimi, nigiri, and rolls.
Sushi Apprentice
Sonodas - Denver, Colorado
09.2006 - 07.2009
- Honed knife skills and learned traditional Japanese techniques and authentic recipes.
- Trained under 2 master sushi chefs
- Responsible for executing all basic prep and sushi rolls
Sushi Apprentice
Sushi Zanmai - Boulder, Colorado
10.2005 - 09.2006
- Worked on a team of 5 sushi chefs, 3 kitchen staff serving ~120 seats in Boulders oldest sushi restaraunt. Owned and operated by Japanese sushi chefs.
- Learned fundementals of tradtional Japanese sushi from Japanese sushi chefs.
- Learned knife skills from daily preparation of vegetables overseen by highly skilled master sushi chefs.
Education
incomplete - Graphic Design
Community College of Denver
06-2008
Skills
- Knife
- Nigiri
- Sashimi
- Fish Cutting
- Sushi Rolls
- Speed
Timeline
Sushi Cook 1
Nobu
04.2025 - Current
Head Sushi Chef
Vana - Paia, Hawaii
03.2022 - 11.2024
Sushi Chef
Uchi - Denver, Colorado
10.2021 - 03.2022
Sushi Chef
Blue Sushi - Denver, Colorado
03.2018 - 03.2020
Sushi Chef
Sushi Tora - Boulder, Colorado
02.2016 - 12.2017
Head Sushi Chef
iSushi - Denver, Colorado
02.2015 - 01.2016
Sushi Roller
Hana Matsuri - Westminster, Colorado
01.2013 - 02.2015
Sushi Chef
Hapa - Denver, Colorado
08.2009 - 12.2012
Sushi Apprentice
Sonodas - Denver, Colorado
09.2006 - 07.2009
Sushi Apprentice
Sushi Zanmai - Boulder, Colorado
10.2005 - 09.2006
incomplete - Graphic Design
Community College of Denver