Staffing
Wagamama USA hires Jonathan Rohland to lead culinary operations
November 19, 2025
Wagamama, a pan-Asian restaurant brand, has hired Jonathan Rohland as senior director of culinary operations to oversee menu innovation, culinary operations and quality standards for all seven U.S. locations as the company plans its next phase of expansion.
Based out of the Tampa Support Center, Rohland brings over 20 years of domestic and international culinary leadership experience, with a background in designing and executing award-winning menus and leading large-scale training programs. His expertise spans Italian, French, American, Latin and Asian cuisine.
"We're excited to welcome Jonathan to our leadership team," Stephen Judge, CEO of wagamama USA, said in a company press release. "His hands-on approach, creative culinary vision and commitment to training will strengthen our foundations as we continue building a best-in-class operating model in the U.S."
Rohland most recently served as vice president of culinary for Hawkers Asian Street Food, where he led menu development and training. He previously held culinary leadership roles with Boca Restaurant Group and Bartaco. His experience includes opening more than 30 restaurants and guiding operational consistency across multi-unit systems.
The appointment follows ongoing investments in wagamama's U.S. leadership team, including the relocation of its support center to Tampa and the addition of Judge as CEO and Suk Singh as chief development officer to advance U.S. growth strategy.
Wagamama, founded in London in 1992, operates seven U.S. restaurants in New York City, Boston, Arlington, Virginia, and Tampa, Florida. It is known for its made-to-order noodles, broths, teppan and rice dishes.
