CHEF AKIRA BACK
Akira Back, the name that is synonymous for cutting cuisine and exquisite taste in the restaurant and hospitality industry. A first-class and world-renowned idealist who is a revered chef and has triumphantly built a global empire over the past two decades spawning 31 cutting edge locations operating around the world with more on the horizon. In addition to his lengthy resume and accolades that continue to mount, Back is persistently on the forefront of innovation and artistry.
Born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Aspen, Colorado, Akira Back moved to the rocky mountain state at the age of 15-years-old for his father to pursue the family business. Back picked up snowboarding as a hobby which led him to pursue the professional circuit where he appeared in a handful of extreme sports movies and garnered praise from the sports top trade publications. During this time, Back began working at a local Japanese restaurant to supplement his income. After seven years on the pro-snowboarding circuit, Back realized that he felt the same thrill in the kitchen as he did on his board, shaping his decision to pursue a full-time culinary career.
Back attended and completed his cooking education at the International Culinary School at The Art Institute based in Colorado, establishing the framework of his technique and amplifying his knowledge of Asian cooking, allowing him to incorporate his artistic vision and Korean heritage. Combining his passions for adventure, travel and culinary exploration, Chef Back opened his first restaurant in 2008, the world renown Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge located inside the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
His repertoire of restaurants includes, Akira Back, his namesake restaurant, known for its limitless creativity in reshaping modern Japanese dining to create a distinguished experience, continues to span across the globe. His restaurants are located in Las Vegas, London, Paris, Dubai, Beverly Hills, Toronto, Seoul, Singapore, Riyadh, Tenerife, San Diego, Istanbul, Doha, Marrakech, Delray Beach, Jakarta, Orlando, Bangkok, San Francisco and Aruba. With new venues on the cusp in Rome, Hong Kong, Taipei, Florence and more set to open within the next 2 years, giving Chef Back a global footprint which is unmatched in the culinary world.
In addition to his restaurant Dosa by Akira Back, winning a Michelin Star in both London and Seoul, Chef Back has had the distinct honor of participating at prestigious James Beard House dinners over 10 times. He has cooked for dignitaries across the globe including the Dalai Lama, Bill Clinton, the royal family of England, Prime Ministers, Sheiks, Presidents, and limitless celebrities. Chef Akira Back has had extensive broadcast experience, appearing on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America”. Chef Back has also been seen on NBC’s “The Today Show,” Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate,” The Cooking Channel’s “United Tastes of America,” as well as KBS’ “Success Mentor” which airs in Korea.
