Jon is a first generation Taiwanese American who grew up in Walnut, California. His love for cooking started at a young age watching his family cook. He opened Kato in 2016 and has since gone on to be a Food & Wine Magazine Best New Chef, James Beard Finalist for Rising Star, Forbes Magazine 30 Under 30, a recipient of one Michelin Star, and Los Angeles Times #1 restaurant (2019, 2023, 2024). Also in 2024, Kato was named World’s 50 Best’s One to Watch and in 2025 named #26 in North America’s 50 Best. And most recently, Yao won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: California at the 2025 ceremony.