Yuan Tang
owner/culinary director
Yuan conceptualized Rooster & Owl to develop inventive, contemporary American cuisine in a fun, collaborative environment. Previously, he worked at three-Michelin-star Jean Georges and one-Michelin-star The Modern and was the sous chef at one-Michelin-star Dovetail in New York City.
Carey TANG
OWNER/managing director
While her previous career in nonprofit development helped coin the name for Rooster & Owl, now Carey is the general manager of the growing team. Her focus is providing the best experience for guests and building a cohesive, happy team. She earned master's degrees from Columbia University and the George Washington University.
RACHEL SHERRIFFE
EXECUTIVE PASTRY Chef
Rachel relocated to the DC area from New York City, after 5 years at two-Michelin-Star Jean Georges. Her philosophy is to balance sweetness with salt and acid to craft unexpected, fun, desserts. At home, she balances sunlight & moisture for her growing indoor plant collection.
Tori Pajak
executive Sous CHEF
Originally from Pittsburgh, Tori joined the flock in 2019 before being promoted to leadership in 2021. She holds a bachelor's in culinary management and is the biggest Star Wars fan, possibly ever. Tori has also fully (and very kindly) embraced her nickname, Uncle Tori, bestowed up on her by our Complaint Manager, then-18-month-old Nori.
Chris Sang
Beverage director
Chris is best known for his allergy to raw apples and his expansive wardrobe. (We jest.) A DC transplant via Las Vegas, Chris holds a Master's in Forensic Science but fell for hospitality while working with the Farmers Restaurant Group. He is passionate about the guest experience, checking out new restaurants every weekend, and spending time with his dog Leo.
Gregory Morgan
wine director
Gregory, a native Washingtonian, has been in the service industry for over 20 years, most recently at Kinship & Métier, before finding his home at Rooster & Owl. Notably, he was the first front-of-house team member hired before our opening in 2019. Introducing guests to new wines and spirits is the highlight of his evening. Gregory is always at your service.
Nori & Ellie Tang
complaint managers
Nori is the most opinionated member of the flock. Known for chatting your ear off and doing everything herself, Nori brings a youthful charm to the R&O team. Ellie was recently promoted to Complaint Manager after her eponymous restaurant, Ellie Bird, opened in Falls Church, VA in April ‘23.
Nico TANG
Assistant complaint manager
Nico is the youngest member of the Rooster & Owl family, joining the Complaint Management Department in 2023. He strives to demonstrate healthy work-life balance by napping often, eating nonstop, and never answering email off the clock. His supervisors eagerly await the day he becomes mobile. Or so they think.