Vajra Stratigos brings nearly four decades of expertise in the food and beverage hospitality industry to the Jax team. Hailing from a rich lineage of restaurateurs tracing back four generations in Greece and Italy, Stratigos’ culinary journey has taken him around the globe, from Italy and France to Taiwan and Hong Kong. His hands-on experience and cultural immersion have cultivated a profound understanding of diverse cuisines and flavor profiles.
Prior to joining the Jax team, Stratigos spent 14 years as operating partner and executive director of food and beverage standards for the Atlanta-based Fifth Group Restaurants and its event and design company, Bold American Events and Catering, using his expertise in wine education programs, restaurant concepting and design to shape the company's growth and success. He also served as the CXO (Chief Experience Officer) and director of national business development for Rumi's Kitchen, based in Atlanta, where he led the brand's expansion strategy into major markets.
Vajra has established himself as a distinguished wine specialist, earning certifications from prestigious institutions such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the Court of Master Sommeliers and the International Sommelier Guild. His extensive knowledge of wines from around the globe has been refined through his extensive travels and engagements with industry panels, where he shares insights and expertise on both wine and hospitality organizational management. Stratigos has lectured at the Goizueta School of Business at Emory University, contributed articles to SevenFifty Daily online journal and was named American Rising Star Sommelier by Star Chefs in 2007.