Our Story

Born in San Jose. Built for San Jose.

Born in San Jose.
Built for San Jose.

Three men sitting together in a bar, holding drinks, smiling, with shelves of liquor bottles and bar equipment in the background.

Where It All Started

For nearly 15 years, we’ve been building spaces in San Jose that give people a reason to stay local. From the start, our goal has been to create places with standout food and drinks, exceptional service, and a strong culture that would become ingrained in the Downtown community. Destinations that feel just as considered and exciting as anything worth traveling for.

What began with a single concept has grown into a collection of distinct restaurants and bars, each one shaped by what we felt was missing in our hometown. Every concept is our take on something we love—memorable restaurants that get the food and the feel just right; craft cocktail bars with standout drinks and zero pretense; a vinyl listening room where music and drinks come together; and an arcade bar that’s pure retro nostalgia.

All part of building something bigger for San Jose.

A self-serve bar with wooden shelves filled with various bottles of liquor, illuminated by warm yellow lighting. The counter is black granite, with cocktail stirrers, glasses, and decorative items. Black leather chairs are positioned in front of the bar.

Our Way of Doing Things

M.O. stands for modus operandi—the way you do things. For us, it means a consistent approach to hospitality that shows up in every space we create. Our concepts are always elevated in design, grounded in service, and centered on a culture that supports the people behind it. We’re laid-back in spirit, but serious about execution. We’re focused on building things the right way—crafting places that feel good to walk into, and even better to be part of. The food, the drinks, the details, and most importantly, the experience from the moment you arrive. Whether it’s a guest’s first visit or their fiftieth, the goal is the same: that they leave feeling like a friend, not a stranger.

Crowd of people socializing and ordering drinks inside a modern bar or restaurant with stylish lighting fixtures and wooden accents.
Crowd of people socializing and ordering drinks inside a modern bar or restaurant with stylish lighting fixtures and wooden accents.

Our Vision

We’re here to push San Jose’s social scene forward—while staying deeply connected to the community that built us. Gratitude is at the center of everything we do: for our team, our guests, and the city that continues to support us. As we grow, that doesn’t change. We’ll keep building spaces that bring people together, raise the bar, and give this city more reasons to keep it local.

Our Team

A man wearing a light gray henley shirt and a black blazer standing indoors with a wooden wall and plants in the background.

Dan Phan

Owner & Co-Founder

A man with short, styled hair and a beard, smiling and wearing a gray checked blazer over a light button-up shirt, standing indoors with wooden wall decor and a lamp in the background.

George Lahlouh

Owner & Co-Founder

A male chef wearing a white chef's coat and black apron standing in a restaurant or bar with a wooden wine rack and bar counter behind him.

Chef Roberto Mendoza

Executive Chef at Strata and Culinary Director of Bar Operations

A smiling young man in a black blazer and black pants standing indoors with a wooden slat wall and plants in the background.

Benny Sarpolio

Operations & Facilities Manager

Smiling woman with long dark hair, wearing a cream-colored blouse, standing confidently with arms crossed indoors.

Jean Klassen

Events Manager

A man in a light-colored blazer with a pocket square, black shirt, and dark jeans, standing with arms crossed in an indoor setting with wooden accents and plants.
A man in a navy blue suit with a white shirt, smiling, sitting in front of a brick wall. He has short black hair, freckles, and is wearing a large watch on his left wrist.

Johnny Wang

Owner & Co-Founder

Ron Bonifacio

Operating Partner at Eos & Nyx and
Director of Restaurant Operations

A man with glasses, a beard, and short dark hair wearing a dark checkered blazer over a gray shirt, standing indoors with a wooden, arched ceiling design and plants in the background.
A smiling man with tattoos on his arms wearing a white shirt, brown apron, and an orange wristwatch, sitting in front of a red brick wall.

Chef Nicko Moulinos

Executive Chef at Eos & Nyx

Ryan Ota

Director of Beverage Operations

Join Our Team

Work with people who care about the craft, the guests, and each other. Be part of a team that’s building something meaningful in San Jose, and help us create spaces places people feel connected to.

Work With Us
Group of bartenders behind a bar with liquor bottles, smiling and serving drinks.