Thumbnail
Ice Cream
BLACKPINK ft Selena Gomez
0:00
0:00

Raising
the Standardof Dining,
One Concept at a Time

Based in the heart of Jacksonville, Pearl Hospitality Group brings together chefs, operators, and investors to create unforgettable dining experiences across the city. From Riverside to the Beaches, our concepts celebrate local culture, bold flavors, and authentic community connection. Every concept is thoughtfully crafted — built in Jax, made for Jax.
Let's Talk
  • Coming Soon

Our Story

At Pearl Hospitality Group, our journey began with a profound passion for culinary excellence and a deep-seated belief in the power of shared experiences.

We envisioned a collection of dining establishments that would not only tantalize the taste buds but also foster genuine connections within the community. From our roots in Jacksonville Beach, we have meticulously curated a portfolio of distinctive concepts, each with its own unique personality, yet all united by a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and authenticity.

We celebrate the rich tapestry of global cuisines, from the refined artistry of Nori Kase's Japanese dining to the fresh, local flavors of Beachside Seafood, and the comforting accessibility of Soup & Noodle Bar. Our story is one of continuous evolution, driven by a desire to exceed expectations and create memorable moments around the table.

We believe that every dish tells a tale, every ingredient has a history, and every meal is an opportunity to forge lasting relationships. This dedication extends beyond our kitchens to our active engagement with local events and collaborations, reinforcing our role as a vibrant hub for community gathering.

Pearl Hospitality Group is more than just a collection of restaurants; it's a testament to the joy of discovery, the warmth of hospitality, and the enduring magic of exceptional food.

Our Team

Raymond De Padua is a founding partner and visionary at Pearl Hospitality, guiding the company’s growth through strategic direction and creative concepts. With a background in real estate and investments, he brings a keen eye for identifying opportunities and structuring partnerships. Raymond leads with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and long-term partnerships, driving Pearl Hospitality’s mission to deliver exceptional experiences.

Raymond De Padua
Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Our Team

Jeremiah Carolino, managing partner of Pearl Hospitality Group, is the creative force and leader behind the company’s growing presence in Jacksonville. Inspired by his travels and global culinary experiences, he crafts distinctive dining concepts that connect with the community and elevate the city’s food culture. Drawing on extensive corporate experience and a foundation in entrepreneurship, Jeremiah blends creative vision, operational expertise, and strategic acumen to develop and position successful brands. Passionate about building strong teams and scaling businesses to their full potential, he leads each venture from concept to reality with the goal of creating spaces people love to visit, share, and return to—where exceptional food, atmosphere, and community converge.

Jeremiah Carolino
Founder & Managing Partner

Our Team

Culinary director Francis Varias, his work blends the precision of Japanese culinary tradition with the excitement of global flavors and modern creativity. A graduate of culinary school, Francis built his expertise through hands-on experience at acclaimed restaurants Domu and Edoboy, as well as with Bento Group—developing skills across high-volume, trend-setting dining, intimate omakase experiences, and multi-concept restaurant operations.

Francis Varias
Culinary Director

Our Team

John Panghulan leads marketing strategy for Pearl Hospitality Group, developing and executing tailored campaigns for each restaurant concept. With over 10 years of restaurant experience — spanning management, service, and kitchen operations — John understands the industry from the ground up. He is also the founder of Curbside Marketing Agency, a firm specializing in food and hospitality marketing, bringing additional expertise and creativity to Pearl’s brands.

John Panghulan
Marketing Director

Our Team

Jimmy Nguyen blends hospitality expertise, technical skills, and operational leadership to drive Pearl Hospitality Group’s multi-venue success. With experience spanning fine dining, biomedical science, and IT systems, he bridges exceptional guest experiences with the technology and workflows that power them. Jimmy leads operational infrastructure, streamlining processes, integrating platforms, and optimizing communication to ensure each concept operates with precision and consistency. His diverse background enables him to create scalable, human-centered solutions that keep pace with the company’s growth.

Jimmy Nguyen
Director of Operations & Technology

Our Team

This diverse background fuels his mission: to create bold, unforgettable dining concepts that balance authenticity with innovation. From elevated omakase menus to playful, anime-inspired noodle bars, we design dishes and spaces that tell a story—where every detail, from flavor profile to presentation, is intentional.

Michael Barnes

General Manager
Michael Barnes has spent over 10 years welcoming guests to some of Jacksonville’s finest dining rooms. As one of the General Managers at Norikase and Lead of Hospitality for Pearl Group, he is passionate about creating memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences that make people feel truly cared for. Michael believes great hospitality is equal parts precision and heart, and he leads his teams with that balance in mind. Whether curating an intimate omakase or orchestrating a bustling dining room, his goal is always the same—every guest leaves feeling like the highlight of the evening.

Emily Nguyen

General Manager
One of the General Managers at Norikase, Jacksonville’s premier upscale Japanese dining destination, blends leadership, hospitality expertise, and a genuine passion for guest care. With over a decade of experience in hospitality and guest relations, she’s committed to making every guest feel valued and appreciated. Emily takes pride in keeping daily operations organized and ensuring her team has the tools and support they need to deliver exceptional service. Currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Business Administration at the University of North Florida, she brings both fresh ideas and proven experience to her role. Her warmth, attention to detail, and dedication help create the unforgettable dining experiences Pearl Hospitality is known for.

Justin Raulerson

General Manager
Justin Raulerson, whose love for hospitality began behind the bar at Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized Domu, where he mastered the art of craft cocktails and learned how every drink can tell a story. A graduate of the University of North Florida with a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice, Justin brings a unique understanding of people and problem-solving to every role he takes on. Since then, he’s led some of Jacksonville’s most notable dining rooms, pairing operational know-how with a genuine passion for people. Justin is known for creating elevated, welcoming experiences where every detail—whether in the glass, on the plate, or in the atmosphere—works together to make guests feel at home.

Nathan Ferrer

Operations Manager
Nathan Ferrer brings over seven years of restaurant experience and a proven record in high-volume operations to Pearl Hospitality Group. From starting in the industry at 14 to now helping lead multi-million-dollar ventures like Beachside Seafood Restaurant & Market and Davoli’s Catering, Nathan pairs hands-on expertise with sharp sales and growth strategies. Known for driving efficiency, elevating guest experiences, and delivering results, he’s a rising force in Florida’s premium dining market and a key player in creating strong, sustainable returns for investors.

Kevin Perez Velazquez

Hospitality & Guest Experience Manager
Kevin Perez Velazquez is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where every guest feels valued and at ease. Drawing from years of experience in customer-facing roles, he holds exceptional service and attention to detail as the cornerstones of hospitality. His dedication to quality—from the products served to the interactions shared—ensures that each experience is memorable, consistent, and crafted with care. Kevin believes that great service is not just about meeting expectations, but exceeding them with warmth and authenticity.

Brands You Should Visit

Explore the diverse culinary landscape crafted by Pearl Hospitality Group. Each of our distinctive brands offers a unique dining experience, united by our commitment to quality, authenticity, and community connection. From sophisticated sushi to fresh coastal flavors and comforting Asian delights, there's a Pearl Hospitality destination waiting to be discovered.
  • Partner with Pearl Hospitality

    Are you passionate about exceptional dining experiences and community engagement? Join the Pearl Hospitality family and bring our proven concepts to your market. We offer comprehensive support and a collaborative partnership to help you succeed in the thriving hospitality industry. Discover how you can become a part of our story and grow with us.

    Let's Talk Let's Talk
    Contact
  • Beachside Seafood: Fresh Catches, Coastal Comfort

    Savor the essence of coastal dining at Beachside Seafood. We bring you the freshest, locally-sourced seafood in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Experience authentic flavors and the laid-back charm that defines Jacksonville Beach's culinary scene.

  • Soup & Noodle Bar: Authentic Asian Comfort, Fast & Flavorful

    Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Asia at Soup & Noodle Bar. Our fast-casual concept delivers accessible comfort food without compromising on quality or taste. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that delights the senses.

Partner with Pearl Hospitality

Let’s Conversation

Tell us about your vision — we’re ready when you are.

Address