Jon Murray

Founder

Born and raised in the South, but a traveler at heart, Jon Murray is changing the hospitality industry for the better with the opening of his first concept, Noko, an Asian-inspired, wood-fired restaurant in East Nashville. With almost 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Murray and his Noko partners aim to create a more sustainable work environment for their employees, while offering guests a taste of the restaurants Asian-inspired comfort foods. 

Murray began his career in the music industry as an Artist Manager at OMG/EMI Records in Greenville, SC, and later joined Golden Music in Nashville, TN as Manager and Director of Artist Relations. Responsible for organizing and negotiating national tours, Murray had the opportunity to travel to some of the country’s top destinations alongside the artists, expanding his palate and appreciation for unique cuisines along the way. 

In 2011, Murray desired a change of pace, moved to Charleston, SC and resumed his long-running career in hospitality. Starting as a server at O-Ku, a sushi restaurant by The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, his ambitious approach to hospitality allowed him to quickly work his way up. He then became General Manager at various local restaurants over the years including Colletta in Alpharetta, GA, Indaco in Charleston, SC, and O-Ku and Donetto, both in Atlanta, GA. In 2019, Murray became the Chief Restaurant Officer for The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, overseeing over 20 restaurants, bars, and hotels, and eventually helping to open Maya, a Charleston, SC Mexican eatery in 2021. 

In his new role as owner and partner of Noko, Murray is the visionary behind the concept and focuses his efforts on employee betterment practices, the positioning of the restaurant in the community, and the overall growth of the brand. He also oversees the day-to-day operations and ensures that Noko is executing on their promises, whether he’s seeking out opportunities to connect directly with guests or finding ways to pour into his employees’ growth, both personally and professionally. 

When Murray is not at Noko conversing, you can find him jogging the streets of Nashville, trying out new restaurants, reading new books, or planning his next vacation.