Meet Ethan Yang | Executive Chef and Owner of Glass Box

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ethan Yang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ethan, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I love being asked this question because I believe success isn’t defined by just one factor. At Glass Box, our success comes from a combination of efforts, and what truly matters is never losing sight of them. Consistency is key — the more you commit to doing the right things every day, the more success will follow.

Transparency is key. 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.

Another factor to Glass Box’s success is the connections I’ve made. 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.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
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.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Glass Box, Glass Box, Glass Box — the only name you need for amazing food! (Okay, maybe I’m a little biased… or maybe not!) But honestly, I love North County San Diego. The area is packed with incredible restaurants, bars, and unique spots to shop. There’s always something new to discover.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to every single person who has dined at Glass Box. Our success is built on the incredible support of our guests, and I truly believe we wouldn’t be where we are today without each and every one of them. I’m especially grateful for our loyal patrons who keep coming back time and time again — their continued support means the world to us. It’s their enthusiasm, feedback, and presence that inspire us to keep raising the bar and creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Website: https://www.glassboxsd.com/

Instagram: @glassboxsd

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/glass-box-san-diego