Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, O-Ku Atlanta’s Executive Chef, Chris Hong, has experience working in cities from the West Coast to the East Coast, allowing him to bring a wide range of experience and culinary expertise to the table.
Hong’s journey in the kitchen began in Cambridge, MA, in 1995 when he became a Sushi Chef at Cafe Sushi. There, Hong realized his talent and passion for cooking, which pushed him to pursue a full-time career as a chef. After building on his foundation and refining his approach, Hong advanced to become the Executive Chef of Good Fortune in St. Petersburg, FL in 2022. In his role at Good Fortune, Hong developed the menu and spearheaded the restaurant’s opening.
In 2025, Hong earned the title of Executive Chef at O-Ku Atlanta, bringing new flavors and perspectives along with him. Hong works with O-Ku Culinary Director Masatomo “Masa” Hamaya to incorporate traditional Asian techniques with a modern twist, as well as tap into classic kitchen prep methods. Hong uses the classic Japanese method of “Zuke,” which is an approach born in the 19th century that includes soaking fish in a soy-based marinade to preserve it and enhance flavor. At O-Ku, Hong is appreciative of the opportunity to work with a staff of diverse backgrounds and experiences as he encourages them to stay “humble, hungry, and smart,” his mantra for life and within the kitchen. As a leader in the culinary industry, Hong understands that many chefs may not even realize that they haven’t tapped into their full capabilities, and he takes pride in guiding his team toward their full potential.
When he’s not in the kitchen or creating new menu items, Hong can be found exploring a fishing hole or enjoying the beach.