Gary Matsumoto was born and raised in Monterey Park, California and moved to Hawaii on the opening team of a major retailer’s debut in Waikiki. Gary is a graduate of the University of Southern California where he majored in Biology. After earning his Bachelor’s degree, he also attended USC’s School of Dentistry.
In 1998, with dentistry and retail management interests under his belt, Gary successfully convinced Chef Wong of his determination to begin pursuing a professional career in the culinary arts. He was hired as a line cook with no previous experience and spent much of his first year trying to balance school and work.
To enhance his work experiences, he enrolled in the Culinary Arts training program at Kapiolani Community College, and completed his degree in 2000. In the same year, Matthew Matsumoto arrived and Gary received his fatherhood degree as well. Along the way, Gary’s culinary aspirations have been encouraged and supported by his wife June.
Gary has traveled to Tokyo to assist in the Japan branch’s initial opening activities. He was also afforded the opportunity to travel with Barbara Stange to Bangkok for a week-long promotion at the Shangri La Hotel in 2002.
