DŌZO
Day 1: 5-Course Nouveau Japanese Tasting Series
Opened in December of 2024 inside City Kich in Wesley Heights, DŌZO is the newest concept from the 3-TIME Award-Winning food truck operation, Katsu Kart. Offering classic Japanese cuisine with a new American twist, it was named to Eater’s June 2025 List of “Hottest in Charlotte” and had a mention in Axios’ 2024 List of “Top Dishes in Charlotte.” Chefs Perry Saito, who earned his stripes working with his father at a sushi bar in Myrtle Beach, and John Gamble a Charlotte native and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, created Katsu Kart and are now captivating diners with dishes like karaage bento (crispy chicken thighs), ebi furai bento (fried gulf shrimp), tonkatsu sando (pork chop with toasted milk bread), crab fried rice, and a whole lot more. “Some of the most creative food in the city,” is how Charlotte Magazine feels about DŌZO (which, by the way, means “go ahead” in Japanese), so we are so excited to visit this exciting izakaya and to chat with the chefs about how they have managed to excite and invigorate the Charlotte food scene. See you there!
About the Hosts:
Perry Saito
Co-Chef/Owner
A 4th-generation restaurant industry worker, Chef Perry Saito first learned the ropes working under his father in a sushi bar in Myrtle Beach, SC. Having worked in every position in restaurants. he started Katsu Kart in 2021. DŌZO is his newest culinary project.
John Gamble
Co-Chef/Owner
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America's distinguished Hyde Park location, Chef John Gamble has dedicated his life to honing his craft as a chef. He has been an integral part of the development of Katsu Kart and now DŌZO.
The Lineup
All courses will be individually plated. This menu will be Mushroom & Nut Free. For the list of restrictions Chef is accommodating, scroll to the bottom of this page.
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Cold Soba Salad
buckwheat noodle, heirloom tomato, cucumber, saikyo miso vinaigrette
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Hamachi Sashimi
ponzu, radish, cucumber, jalapeño, yuzu koshō, mizuna
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Ebi Katsu
crispy shrimp, sauce gribiche, arugula salad
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Braised Beef Short Rib
marsh hen mill creamed corn grit, blistered shishito, beef jus
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Sata Andagi
okinawan style donut, kinako, yuzu peach ice cream, kuromitsu syrup
DŌZO
2200 Thrift Rd Suite 1
Charlotte, NC 28208
Event FAQs
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email support@tastingcollective.com with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- Due to the large-format nature of our events, restaurants are not able to accommodate all dietary restrictions/food allergies or make any menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). This restaurant will be offering substitutions exclusively for the following restrictions/allergies: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Dairy, Gluten, Fish, Shellfish, Allium. If you have any of these restrictions/allergies, please make sure to note this in your profile (in the “Event Preferences” section) either before or right after purchasing your tickets so Chef can prepare accordingly.
