Meet Our Team

Sean “Sonny” Nguyen

Chef/Owner

At the age of 5, Sonny wrote a business plan for “Sean’s Famous Nodlles.” It would only be open on the weekends and operate out of the family garage. Fast forward to eight restaurants operating under the Small Food Group umbrella in Orlando and Jacksonville. We’re honored to have been selected as a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist® for Best Chef: South!

Jon San Juan

Director of Finance/Business Management

After 11 years as a Business Manager with previous multi-unit restaurant group and as a consultant with DOMU Dynasty since 2020, Jon joined the team full-time in early 2024. His expertise and experience are vital to achieving our goals, while putting the customer experience first.

Nicholas Ricketts

Director of Operations + HR

In 2016, Nicholas joined the team to open its first Domu. Taking on the role of front-of-house manager, he has contributed to the successful launch of every concept so far. He has been responsible for overseeing operations and HR since 2019.

Manuel “Manny” Salazar

Culinary Advisor

Chef Manny has worked in acclaimed kitchens such as Momofuku Noodle Bar in NYC and Kadence in Orlando. He opened and operated two ramen concepts in Brooklyn, before moving back home to Florida in 2019.

James Ward

James has been with the team since 2016 managing the East End and Dr. Phillips operations, then relocated to open the Jacksonville location in 2019. He was the General Manager of CHIBI Ramen before joining the upper management team in 2023.

Director of Back of House Operations

Mabel Salazar

Mabel joins us after 12 years in the fashion industry in NYC and most recently as the Community Relations Manager at the Orlando Museum of Art. Prior to living in Brooklyn, NY Mabel worked at the original Bento Cafe in Gainesville, FL with Jon and Manny.

Director of Marketing + Events
Operations + HR Assistant

Cara Ragghianti

Cara is the newest member to management team, but is not new to management since she was part of the opening team at Tori Tori and served as the Front of House Manager of DOMU Dr. Phillips for 4 years.