Today we’d like to introduce you to Nengah Mustika.
Hi Nengah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey has really been shaped by entrepreneurship, hospitality, and community. I’ve been a Jacksonville and St. Johns County resident for over 20 years, but I’m originally from Bali, Indonesia, where I grew up in the tourism and hospitality industry. Hospitality has always been in my blood. Growing up in Bali taught me that great service is more than just food or business; it’s about how people feel when they walk in, while they’re there, and when they leave.
Before entering the restaurant industry, my background was in technology and software development. I built solutions for businesses and organizations. Over time, I developed a passion for entrepreneurship and creating experiences that bring people together.
In 2017, my business partners and I started with a food truck business. We ran that for about two years, and it taught us a lot about operations, customer service, and the importance of consistency. That journey eventually led us to open our first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Takoyaki, in Opelika, Alabama, in 2019.
Then, in 2020, I wanted to bring a similar concept closer to home, right here in my own backyard in St. Johns County. I found a great location on County Road 210 and decided to take the leap. We built the restaurant from the ground up, and in 2021, Nori Restaurant officially opened its doors.
Since then, Nori has grown into more than a sushi and hibachi restaurant. We’ve become part of the community. We serve families, local schools, businesses, community events, fundraisers, and large catering events in the area. What I’m most proud of is that people don’t just come to Nori for food. They come for the experience and hospitality.
Like any entrepreneurial journey, there have been challenges and lessons along the way, but every step has helped shape me as a business owner and leader. Today, I continue to focus on building businesses that create value, support the community, and bring people together.
At the end of the day, I truly believe hospitality is about connecting with people. That philosophy continues to drive everything I do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Like many restaurants, we faced major challenges after COVID. Costs for goods: proteins, seafood, packaging, and supplies- rose sharply. Meanwhile, staffing shortages persisted, and Florida’s gradual minimum-wage increase to $15 raised labor costs.
One of the biggest challenges is that restaurants cannot continuously raise menu prices every time costs increase. Customers feel that too. So instead of simply passing the costs onto guests, we’ve had to become much more creative and efficient in our operations. We focus heavily on minimizing waste, both in labor and product; improving systems, managing inventory carefully, and finding smarter ways to operate without sacrificing quality or hospitality.
These challenges have made us stronger operators, forcing us to be more disciplined, adaptable, and innovative.
We’ve been impressed with Nori Restaurant (Norikase, LLC), but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Nori Restaurant brings fresh sushi, sizzling hibachi, and vibrant Asian fusion to County Road 210 in St. Johns, Florida. As a locally owned business, we’re known for our flavorful dishes and warm hospitality, which make guests feel at home.
What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a welcoming environment where guests truly feel valued. Beyond quality food, we offer attentive service and thoughtful touches at family dinners, community events, schools, offices, and private gatherings.
I grew up in Bali, immersed in tourism and hospitality, so hospitality is part of who I am. Since opening Nori in 2021, we’ve been proud to join the St. Johns community and build relationships with local families, businesses, and organizations.
What we’re most proud of is the trust we’ve built with our customers, who return for our personalized attention and consistent quality. We don’t just serve sushi and hibachi. We create lasting memories that bring people together.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success in business is really about people and relationships. Great food, systems, and operations matter, but at the end of the day, people remember how you made them feel.
I’ve also learned the importance of adaptability and resilience. The restaurant industry is constantly changing, especially after COVID, with rising costs, staffing challenges, and changing customer expectations. There were moments where we had to rethink how we operated, become more efficient, and find creative ways to continue delivering quality without compromising the guest experience.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that consistency and genuine hospitality build long-term trust. When you consistently take care of people: your customers, employees, partners, and community — that trust becomes the foundation of your brand and business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://norirestaurant.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norirestaurants
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoriRestaurantJax
- Youtube: @norirestaurant8852
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nori-restaurant-st-augustine
