We were lucky to catch up with Ethan Yang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ethan, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Naming a business is definitely a challenge, but for Glass Box, the inspiration came naturally. I wanted to create a dining experience where guests could truly see the artistry behind their food. Too often, the preparation process is hidden in restaurants, and diners miss out on that connection with their chefs. I wanted to break down that barrier and offer full transparency – both literally and figuratively. The name reflects the restaurant’s unique design: a supersized glass-walled space that puts the kitchen on full display. With Glass Box, transparency is at the heart of everything – allowing guests to watch their meals come to life. It’s about building trust, showcasing skill, and elevating the dining experience beyond just the plate.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born and raised in San Diego, California. I am a 3rd generation chef, who is following in the footsteps of my grandma, grandpa and father who were all chefs. My restaurant, Glass Box, delivers a one-of-a-kind dining experience located in San Diego, CA. Glass Box is a supersized glass-wall sushi restaurant featuring an intimate sushi bar at its center, surrounded by revolving seats, with additional seating just outside the glass walls for a dynamic yet immersive atmosphere.

The menu and dishes at Glass Box are inspired by the guests. I hold their input in the highest regard, always striving to accommodate their specific cravings and requests by curating a menu that caters to their individual tastes. By listening to the guests’ specific wants and needs, I have created this community of locals who visit Glass Box on a regular basis. My menu is a celebration of the diverse and rich culinary traditions from across Asia. It draws inspiration from a variety of Asian cuisines, including Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Taiwanese flavors.

Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the unique techniques, ingredients, and cooking styles of these regions. From the delicate precision of Japanese sushi and sashimi to the bold, comforting flavors of Chinese wok-fried dishes, every item on the menu is crafted with authenticity and creativity. Korean influences shine through in dishes that highlight rich marinades, fermented flavors, and signature spices, while Taiwanese cuisine brings an element of warmth and nostalgia with its soulful broths, braised meats, and street food-inspired bites.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Before opening Glass Box, I spent time honing my craft at Pechanga Resort Casino. During that period, I realized that I was ready to take the next step and create something of my own. Cooking has always been in my blood—my grandparents and father were chefs, and I grew up learning from them while also gaining valuable hands-on experience working at Pechanga and other restaurants. Opening my own restaurant was a lifelong dream, and with years of knowledge, skill, and passion behind me, it felt like the right time to venture out and bring my vision to life. Since opening, Glass Box has been incredibly successful, earning a loyal following and becoming a go-to destination for sushi lovers in San Diego. The response from our guests has been overwhelmingly positive, which has only fueled my passion for creating more unique dining experiences. Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited to expand even further, with plans to open a few more restaurants in the Southern California region.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I’ve always been a people person – I love meeting new faces, sharing stories, and building connections, especially over a great meal. This passion is at the heart of Glass Box. I strive to create an experience where every guest feels welcomed and valued, building relationships that leave a lasting impression and, hopefully, bring them back time and time again. It’s not just about serving incredible food; it’s about creating a sense of community. Building strong connections with guests is what turns a one-time diner into a loyal regular. When people feel a personal connection to a restaurant – whether it’s through the warmth of the hospitality, the attention to detail, or simply feeling recognized and appreciated – they are more likely to return and share their experience with others. Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful tools in the restaurant industry, and it all starts with making people feel at home.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.glassboxsd.com/
• Instagram: @glassboxsd
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/glass-box-san-diego