pitmaster/chef

British-born and Japan-based for over three decades, Ian Tozer has spent his career defining the landscape of Tokyo’s dining scene. As the long-time owner and operator of a beloved American brasserie in Minato-ku, Ian understands the delicate balance between high-end hospitality and the soul of comfort food. His career reads like a blueprint for excellence: from leadership roles at the Hyatt Regency Kyoto and the Andaz Seoul, to creative contributions at T.Y. Harbor Brewery, Elle Café, and Urth Café. Beyond the kitchen, Ian is a sought-after F&B consultant, trusted by global giants like Apple Japan, Bloomberg, and Goldman Sachs to deliver bespoke, high-stakes catering. His portfolio is as diverse as it is elite—ranging from large-scale banqueting in the US to catering for high-profile premieres, including a private Shinkansen charter for Tom Cruise.

With PITSTOP, Ian merges this lifetime of high-level expertise with his true passion: the "low and slow" art of Texas BBQ. It is the culmination of three continents of experience, brought to the Kujukuri coast to create a BBQ experience that is as precise as it is rustic.