Matthew Johnson

Founder

Matt’s career in hospitality began with the transformation of Henry Miller’s Theatre into Club Expo, a popular venue frequented by celebrities, NYC socialites and the who is who of the NYC club scene. 

He then partnered with Shimon Bokovza and Danielle Billera to create the real-life rendition of the famed Kit Kat Klub, which hosted the award-winning production of Cabaret produced and directed by the prolific Sam Mendes.

The trio launched SUSHISAMBA, blending Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines, growing the brand to multiple international locations. They later introduced SUGARCANE raw bar grill in 2010 in Miami and then in Las Vegas earning critical acclaim including making it to semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant by the lauded James Beard Foundation. Matt’s influence extended to the UK with the 2012 openings of SUSHISAMBA London and Duck & Waffle, both located in London’s 40-story skyscraper at 110 Bishopsgate and a second SUSHISAMBA location in Covent Garden in 2018. The brand then expanded to Dubai, Doha, Riyad, Singapore and Bahrain and was recently acquired by Shamal Holdings in Dubai.

Matt and his partners are now turning their focus to the Duck & Waffle brand which opened its second location in the UK in Edinburgh in 2023 and will open in Dubai the fall of 2024.