Celebrating Father’s Day

With all of their guidance, support, and strength, our dads and father figures are responsible for teaching us some of the most invaluable lessons in life. And while a single day is definitely not enough to express our gratitude for all of their wisdom, we’re excited to honor all the wonderful dads and father figures in our lives with love, appreciation, and of course dad jokes.

Since we know how great it feels to make our dads proud, we asked some of the dads of ROW what’s the first thing their own father would say if they were to walk into their business today.

Isaiah Bond, General Manager of Bodega LA and father of two daughters tells us his dad would comment: “I always knew that you would find a way to make a career out of your love for shoes,” proving that sometimes Father really does know best. 

Although not a dad himself, Chef Brandon Go, Owner of Michelin-starred restaurant Hayato’s own father has also made an impact on his career. Chef Brandon began making sushi at his dad’s Japanese restaurant when he was just 15 years old. Like so many, sushi became the gateway through which he became interested in Japanese food. He later moved to Tokyo to immerse himself into Japanese culinary tradition, and now spends his life trying to learn all that he can about the cuisine to share at his restaurant.

From the perspective of a fellow restaurant owner, Chef Brandon says his dad’s response would be: “Oh my God you’re crazy! It doesn't need to be this nice!” But as one of our favorite restaurants in DTLA, the Hayato experience is like no other. 

Not everyone grows up with a dad present in their life, but those around them often step in to help fill that role. Cafe Dulce owner James Choi accredits his upbringing to his mom and grandmother, who regularly told him “How you do anything is how you do everything.” But when his Father did visit his shop from overseas, he gave him the lasting advice to "Be smart. Don't over expand and be good to your customers.”

It’s obvious that dads can leave a lasting impact on a person, and as we see at ROW, a place. Whether their influence comes through in the finest of dining experiences or underground streetwear culture, we’re grateful for all the dads and father figures out there shaping and inspiring their kids. We wish all of you a happy, relaxing Father’s Day. 

And since we went a whole blog post without at least one dad joke about fatherhood: “I spent a lot of time, money, and effort childproofing my house… but the kids still get in.”

Happy Father’s Day!