a legacy
of successful
dining concepts
has developed a collection of diverse dining concepts, offering a wide range of culinary experiences.
From poke bowls and sushi to Korean barbecue, dumplings, and ice cream, each restaurant under the Majestic umbrella is designed to offer a unique dining experience, tailored to the tastes and preferences of its patrons.
The corporate team of Majestic Restaurant Group is a diverse ensemble of dedicated professionals who are the cornerstone of our success across all our innovative dining concepts. They possess extensive industry knowledge and experience, garnered from years in the field, allowing them to effectively cater to an ever-changing culinary landscape. Our team includes talented chefs, astute business strategists, expert marketing professionals, and a diligent operational staff. Together, they embody our commitment to exceptional service, customer satisfaction, and culinary excellence. Our executive team's strategic leadership and continuous pursuit of innovation ensure that we not only meet but exceed our customers' expectations, making Majestic Restaurant Group a pioneering force in the dining industry.
Ferdian Jap, JD, MS, MBA | Managing Partner
Ferdian Jap holds the position of Managing Partner at Majestic Restaurant Group, where he leads the group's strategic development and manages the daily operations. He plays a crucial role in expanding and enhancing the group's diverse portfolio of restaurant brands. Raised in his parents' Chinese restaurant in Largo, FL, his passion for hospitality grew from his roots in Indonesia. Ferdian boasts an impressive education with a J.D. from Stetson University, an MBA from the University of Tampa, and a Masters in Entrepreneurship from the University of South Florida.
In addition to Majestic, Ferdian contributes as a partner to Big City Events, LLC and Pier Events, LLC, and serves on several boards including Friends of The Pier, Inc., Friends of Tampa Parks & Rec, and the City of Tampa's Mayors Asian American Council.
On a personal note, he enjoys a wonderful life with his wife Kathy and their two dogs, Yuengling and Stella.
Gia Tran | Partner, Head Corporate Chef
Chef Gia found himself immersed in the intricate art of Japanese cuisine at an early age. It was during this time that he encountered the guidance of many mentors whose wisdom and expertise would forever leave a mark on his culinary journey. As Corporate Chef for Majestic Restaurants, Gia meticulously crafts all menu items and sushi recipes, creates seamless kitchen processes, personally trains kitchen staff, and mentors aspiring sushi chefs, to ensure a standard of excellence across all his establishments.
Monica Varner | Partner, Director of Operations
Monica Varner is an accomplished hospitality professional with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Hailing from New Jersey, Monica's journey into the industry began at an early age, growing up in her family's pizzeria restaurant and bar. This foundation instilled in her a deep understanding of the intricacies, and dedication, of running a successful establishment. Throughout her career, Monica has worked in several renowned restaurants, mastering a variety of skills and gaining years of hands-on experience across multiple roles.
Today, Monica holds the role of Director of Operations for Majestic Restaurant Group, with a focus on exceptional front of the house service, she is also the mastermind behind the carefully curated beverage and cocktail selections for all establishments. Monica continuously seeks new knowledge and stays on top of current trends to elevate her expertise and currently holds a Level 1 Sake certification from the renowned Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
Beyond restaurants, Monica is a driving force in the event industry. She heads her own event consulting firm and is a pivotal partner at Big City Events, LLC, and Pier Events, LLC, where she orchestrates large-scale events and productions. Showcasing her commitment to the community and her passion for the arts, she also serves as the Executive Director for the non-profit Gasparilla Int'l Film Festival.
Outside of her professional life, Monica is a mother to her two sons, Evan and Eric.
Tony Nguyen | Partner, Real Estate
Tony Nguyen, a proud native of Central Florida, commands a leading role in the commercial real estate space, specializing in Retail Investments, particularly within the dynamic Mid-Florida region. With the esteemed CCIM designation under his belt and through his extensive experience, Tony brings a wealth of real estate expertise that propels our company to new heights.
Embarking on his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 19 in 2003, Tony diverged from the conventional college path, choosing instead to immerse himself in the world of real estate in Surf City Huntington Beach, California. Swiftly ascending through the ranks, he garnered recognition as one of the top influencers in the real estate market, ultimately achieving a place among the top 1% of practitioners in Southern California. In 2009, driven by a heartfelt decision to be closer to his loved ones, Tony returned home to Central Florida.
As the forward-thinking founder of a thriving Private Equity group, Tony leads with strategic finesse in the acquisition, sale, and management of a diverse portfolio. This portfolio includes Multi & Single Tenant Retail Centers, Multifamily Apartments, multi-location full-service & fast-casual restaurants, motion pictures, as well as cutting-edge ventures like cryopreservation storage. Notably, the portfolio also includes an investment in prestigious assets such as the renowned Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Outside of the office, Tony is a devoted husband, father, son, and brother, aspiring to be a positive role model in all facets of life. During his leisure time, he indulges in his hobbies such as fitness, nutrition, travel, psychology, cooking, skiing, mixed martial arts, and racquet sports
Chung Sim | Corporate Chef
Chung Bio
Sam Zatko | Ops Manager
Sam Bio
Chris Fasick | Crave Digital, Marketing & Social
Chris Fasick has been a pivotal member of our marketing team since 2020, consistently demonstrating a unique blend of creativity and strategic acumen. Specializing in short-form video content, Chris possesses an innate ability to captivate audiences and craft compelling brand narratives. He's a firm believer in the power of authentic storytelling, asserting that genuine brand-audience connections emerge when true narratives are shared. Beyond his primary role, Chris' expertise extends to the beverage domain, having authored a cocktail column called "On the Sauce" for Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.
Outside of his professional life, Chris is deeply rooted in the Tampa Bay community. He actively supports local events and consistently emphasizes the importance of championing local businesses, recognizing their invaluable impact on the community's fabric. His passion for exploring Tampa Bay's culinary and cocktail scenes not only mirrors his personal interests but also brings a unique perspective to our team, enriching our collective knowledge and approach.
Chris Burnett | Operations - Maintenance
CB Bio
Laura Ly | Admin Manager
Laura Bio
Allan Armstrong | Corporate Chef
Allan Bio
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