About
Nestled in the heart of East Nashville, Noko is an Asian-inspired, wood-fired restaurant influenced by wanderlust and simplicity of the region. Here, Executive Chef Dung “Junior” Vo aims to perfect the balance of new and old techniques in wood fire cooking, putting his Asian-influenced spins on familiar proteins and indigenous vegetables through smoking, searing, and roasting.
Classic comfort food dishes undergo an elevated twist with dishes like Wagyu Brisket with a housemade Asian spice rub and Smoked Gochujang Hot Wings, alongside other unique menu items like rotating crudos and tartares, fire-grilled seafood, and a collection of seasonal vegetables.
In addition to the high-quality fare, the Noko team utilizes wood fire and Asian traditions in their seasonally inspired beverage menu, which includes options that range from non-alcoholic cocktails with toasted garnishes to Wagyu-fat washed Old Fashioneds made with Japanese whiskies. The space will feature art and design features inspired by an intimate Japanese farmhouse.
While paving the path for unique wood-fired cuisine, the Noko team aims to be an agent of change for the hospitality industry in Nashville and beyond through an emphasis on mental health and an extensive employee betterment program featuring four-day work weeks, a yearly travel stipend, access to an online therapist, a paid gym/yoga membership, health insurance, and more.
The Team
Jon Murray // Founder
Born and raised in the South, but a traveler at heart, Jon Murray is changing the hospitality industry for the better with the opening of his first concept, Noko, an Asian-inspired, wood-fired restaurant in East Nashville. With almost 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Murray and his Noko partners aim to create a more sustainable work environment for their employees, while offering guests a taste of the restaurants Asian-inspired comfort foods.
Murray began his career in the music industry as an Artist Manager at OMG/EMI Records in Greenville, SC, and later joined Golden Music in Nashville, TN as Manager and Director of Artist Relations. Responsible for organizing and negotiating national tours, Murray had the opportunity to travel to some of the country’s top destinations alongside the artists, expanding his palate and appreciation for unique cuisines along the way.
In 2011, Murray desired a change of pace, moved to Charleston, SC and resumed his long-running career in hospitality. Starting as a server at O-Ku, a sushi restaurant by The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, his ambitious approach to hospitality allowed him to quickly work his way up. He then became General Manager at various local restaurants over the years including Colletta in Alpharetta, GA, Indaco in Charleston, SC, and O-Ku and Donetto, both in Atlanta, GA. In 2019, Murray became the Chief Restaurant Officer for The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, overseeing over 20 restaurants, bars, and hotels, and eventually helping to open Maya, a Charleston, SC Mexican eatery in 2021.
In his new role as owner and partner of Noko, Murray is the visionary behind the concept and focuses his efforts on employee betterment practices, the positioning of the restaurant in the community, and the overall growth of the brand. He also oversees the day-to-day operations and ensures that Noko is executing on their promises, whether he’s seeking out opportunities to connect directly with guests or finding ways to pour into his employees’ growth, both personally and professionally.
When Murray is not at Noko conversing, you can find him jogging the streets of Nashville, trying out new restaurants, reading new books, or planning his next vacation.
Wilson Brannock // Managing Partner
Wilson Brannock understands the true meaning of hospitality and is now living his dream of becoming a restauranteur with Noko, an Asian-inspired, wood-fired concept in East Nashville. Born and raised in Riverdale, GA, Brannock began his career in the food and beverage industry right out of high school, working as a barback at an Atlanta restaurant. Enjoying the fast-paced environment and the challenge of navigating daily obstacles, Brannock knew then he wanted to pursue a career in the hospitality space. He began working at Indigo Road Hospitality’s O-Ku Atlanta in 2017, where he held various roles, including server and bartender, before putting his leadership skills to use first as Bar Manager, and then as Assistant Manager, overseeing restaurant operations. He went on to assist with the opening of two additional O-Ku locations in Washington, D.C. and Nashville, TN in 2018 & 2019. Furthering his experience in Music City, he took on the role of becoming Assistant General Manager at Oak Steakhouse in 2020, and later joined the team at Maya in Charleston, SC as Opening General Manager and Area Director for Indigo Road’s King Street Locations.
In late 2022 and with a great deal of managerial experience under his belt, Brannock made the move back to Nashville to open Noko as a Managing Partner, working alongside the ownership team to foster a true sense of community both inside and outside of the restaurant. In his role at Noko, his long-term goal is to be a part of positively changing the narrative of hospitality for good. Together with his partners, Brannock aims for Noko to offer one of the best employee betterment programs in the country.
When he’s not at Noko conversing with guests, Brannock can be found spending time outdoors, surfing, fishing, and grilling out with friends.
Dung “Junior” Vo // Executive Chef & Partner
As Executive Chef/Partner, Dung “Junior” Vo is collaborative by nature, whether he is working on menu creation or spearheading staff education at Noko, an Asian-inspired wood-fired restaurant located in the eclectic East Nashville neighborhood. Born in Vietnam, Vo grew up in the coastal city of Nha Trang before moving to Atlanta in 2006 at age 12. He joined the Indigo Road Hospitality team as a sushi chef while attending the Art Institute of Atlanta, and upon graduation, Vo headed to Charleston to join the O-Ku Charleston team where he would ultimately become Executive Chef.
In 2022, Vo made the move to Music City to follow his dreams of opening a restaurant with his two partners, Jon Murray and Wilson Brannock, both of whom he met while working at Indigo Road concepts. With an affinity for “pouring into others’ cups” through food, Vo utilizes inspiration from his Vietnamese heritage and subsequential travels throughout Asia as the driving forces for creating Noko’s wood-fired menu.
Beyond the flavorful yet familiar cuisine, Vo runs the Noko kitchen with respect at the forefront of operations. Alongside his partners, Vo aims to maintain a safe and inspiring atmosphere for both employees and guests. In his own words, “Noko is a class in the university of life, and I’m a student. The journey of learning gives me purpose. It inspires me to do what I do.”
When he’s not in the Noko kitchen, Vo enjoys taking lessons and traveling to competitions for ballroom dancing – yet another outlet for him to cultivate connection and meet people from all walks of life.
Angel Lyle // Bar Manager
Our Mission
After many years, life in the restaurant industry takes a toll on its employees. Sacrificing evenings, weekends, holidays, and time with family in order to serve others has damaged the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of so many in our industry.
At Noko, we’re committed to change the reality of the past and to focus on serving our people first. We believe that caring for our people deeply will in turn be reflected positively in your experience with us.
Without our guests, the change we aim to make wouldn’t be possible. We couldn’t be more grateful that you are here and hope during your time with us, you are able to unwind, relax, and forget about the world outside of Noko. Thank you so much for joining us here and being a part of our mission to change the restaurant industry for the better and for good!
Core Values
Positivity
Gratitude
Sustainability
Fun
Honesty
Forgiveness
Humility
Wonder