Wilson Brannock

Wilson Brannock understands the true meaning of hospitality and is now living his dream of becoming a restaurateur with Asian-inspired, wood-fired restaurant Noko and 14-seat omakase concept Kase, both located in East Nashville. Born and raised in Riverdale, GA, Brannock began his career in the food and beverage industry right out of high school, working as a barback at an Atlanta restaurant. Enjoying the fast-paced environment and the challenge of navigating daily obstacles, Brannock knew then he wanted to pursue a career in the hospitality space. He began working at Indigo Road Hospitality’s O-Ku Atlanta in 2017, where he held various roles, including server and bartender, before putting his leadership skills to use first as Bar Manager, and then as Assistant Manager, overseeing restaurant operations. He went on to assist with the opening of two additional O-Ku locations in Washington, D.C. and Nashville, TN in 2018 and 2019. Furthering his experience in Music City, he took on the role of becoming Assistant General Manager at Oak Steakhouse in 2020, and later joined the team at Maya in Charleston, SC as Opening General Manager and Area Director for Indigo Road’s King Street Locations. 

In late 2022 and with a great deal of managerial experience under his belt, Brannock made the move back to Nashville to open Noko as a Co-Founder and Managing Partner, working alongside the ownership team to foster a true sense of community both inside and outside of the restaurant. In 2024, Brannock, alongside partners Jon Murray and Dung “Junior” Vo, opened Kase, further establishing his long-term goal to be a part of positively changing the narrative of hospitality for good. Together with his partners, Brannock aims for Noko and Kase to offer one of the best employee betterment programs in the country.

When he’s not at Noko or Kase conversing with guests, Brannock can be found spending time outdoors, surfing, fishing, and grilling out with friends.