Nikumaru
Nikumaru is an expression of partnership between Chef Russell Jackson and Mojay Rivera. It brings together East Coast and West Coast perspectives in a modern, focused restaurant opening in the East Village at 516 East 11th Street.
Russell’s background moves through California kitchens, seasonal cooking, and culturally layered food shaped by migration and memory. Mojay brings East Coast energy, operational strength, and a deep understanding of hospitality that is personal, direct, and grounded. Nikumaru lives at the intersection of those two paths.
The menu moves between precision and fire. Japanese technique, New American structure, Puerto Rican influence, and market driven sourcing. It is ingredient focused and seasonal, disciplined without being precious. We respect product. We cook with intention. We do not overcomplicate what should be clean.
This is not a concept built around trends. It is built around craft, memory, and clarity. The room will feel alive, warm, and engaged. The food will be thoughtful but not distant. Hospitality will be direct, generous, and aware.
We are currently in pre opening. That means systems are being built from the ground up. Standards are being defined in real time. Culture is not inherited. It is created.
We are looking for professionals who take pride in their work and understand that opening a restaurant requires resilience, patience, and humility. You must be calm under pressure. You must communicate clearly. You must respect product, your teammates, and the guest.
We value technical competence. We value people who can move with urgency without panic. We value cooks who care about seasoning and servers who understand timing. We value people who want to build something that lasts.
This is not a volume driven operation. It is hospitality focused, detail oriented, and built for longevity. We are not trying to be everywhere. We are trying to be good.
If you want to help open something independent, serious about the work, and grounded in partnership, we would like to meet you.
