Jo's Modern Thai Ushers in a Bold New Era: A Love Letter to Oakland and Its Community
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OAKLAND, Calif. - Californer -- Jo's Modern Thai, a beloved culinary destination in Oakland's Laurel District, is entering an exciting new era with fresh flavors, bold ideas, and a deepened commitment to the vibrant community it calls home. Owner Kao Saelee is sharing updates that reflect his vision for the restaurant and his unwavering dedication to Oakland.

Jo's Modern Thai unveils a refreshed menu that blends Thai traditions with bold, modern twists. Culinary Director Stevenson, a rising star in the culinary world, has crafted dishes that honor the restaurant's roots while bringing fresh creativity to the table.

"We're keeping the heart of Jo's alive while giving guests something new and thrilling to savor," Stevenson shared. "Expect vibrant, bold flavors with unexpected touches that make every bite a discovery. This menu is about celebrating Thai cuisine's essence while introducing something uniquely Jo's."

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Jo's Modern Thai welcomes Culinary Director Stevenson, whose global culinary journey includes stints at the Michelin-starred Bacchanalia in Atlanta and the celebrated Late Air in Savannah. Known for his innovative take on Southeast Asian flavors, Stevenson brings bold creativity to Jo's menu and the upcoming all-day brunch concept, The Peach.

In 2024, Stevenson launched Juju's Street Eats, a modern Southeast Asian pop-up that quickly garnered Eater and Star Chefs acclaim. Now, Stevenson has relocated to Oakland to lead Jo's kitchen and develop The Peach, which is now open at the former Lakeshore Café and blends Asian influences with American breakfast classics.

"I wanted to be in a place where I could grow into the cuisine I'm passionate about—Southeast Asian and American-inspired flavors," said Stevenson. "Jo's Modern Thai is the perfect home for that, and I'm so excited to share what we've been working on."

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This year, Jo's Modern Thai embraced thoughtful changes to ensure quality and sustainability, including a four-day work schedule and a shift away from automatic gratuities to provide greater transparency for guests.

"These changes are about making Jo's stronger—for our staff, guests, and future," said Kao. "We're evolving to meet the moment while staying true to what makes us special."

As Jo's Modern Thai steps into the new year, Kao and his team are deeply grateful for the incredible support of their loyal guests.

"Every meal we serve, every connection we make—it's all thanks to this amazing community," said Kao. "We're excited to share this next chapter with you and look forward to welcoming you back to Jo's Modern Thai. Whether you're a familiar face or visiting us for the first time, we're here to make every moment unforgettable."

For more information, visit https://www.josmodernthai.com/.