Meet Our Team

Sean “Sonny” Nguyen

Chef/Owner

At just five years old, Sonny wrote his first business plan for “Sean’s Famous Noodles”—a restaurant that would operate out of his family’s garage and, naturally, only be open on weekends.

Fast forward to today, and that childhood idea has grown into eight restaurants across Orlando and Jacksonville under the Small Food Group umbrella. Along the way, Sonny was honored to be named a 2025 James Beard Award® semifinalist for Best Chef: South—a milestone that makes the journey from “Sean’s Famous Noodles” all the more meaningful.

Jon San Juan

Director of Finance/Business Management

After 11 years as a Business Manager for a multi-unit restaurant group, Jon began consulting with DOMU Dynasty in 2020 before officially joining the team full-time in early 2024. His extensive operational experience and business expertise have become invaluable to the organization, helping drive our continued growth while ensuring the guest experience remains at the heart of everything we do.

Nicholas Ricketts

Director of Operations + HR

Nicholas joined the team in 2016 to help open the first DOMU, taking on the role of Front-of-House Manager. Since then, he has played an integral role in the successful opening of every concept within the group. In 2019, Nicholas expanded his responsibilities to oversee operations and human resources, helping guide the team’s continued growth while maintaining the culture and standards at the heart of the organization.

Manuel “Manny” Salazar

Culinary Advisor

Chef Manny brings experience from acclaimed kitchens including Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York City and Kadence in Orlando. He went on to open and operate two ramen concepts in Brooklyn before returning home to Florida in 2019.

James Ward

James has been an integral part of the team since 2016, initially overseeing operations at our East End and Dr. Phillips locations. In 2019, he relocated to Jacksonville to lead the opening of our first location in the market. He later served as General Manager of CHIBI Ramen before joining the upper management team in 2023.

Director of Back of House Operations

Mabel Salazar

Mabel joins the team with 12 years of experience in New York City’s fashion industry and, most recently, as Community Relations Manager at the Orlando Museum of Art. Before moving to Brooklyn, she worked at the original Bento Cafe in Gainesville, Florida, alongside Jon and Manny—bringing her journey full circle as she reunites with longtime colleagues at Small Food Group.

Director of Marketing + Events
Operations + HR Assistant

Cara Ragghianti

Cara may be the newest member of the management team, but she is no stranger to leadership within the group. She was part of the opening team at Tori Tori before serving as Front of House Manager at DOMU Dr. Phillips for four years. Her experience across multiple concepts and years with the company bring valuable insight to her new role on the management team.