Josh Capon

Josh Capon’s culinary journey began at the University of Maryland, where he discovered his passion for cooking. He then transferred to Johnson and Wales University to pursue formal culinary training. While still a student, Capon secured a culinary internship with acclaimed chef Charlie Palmer at his Manhattan restaurant, Aureole. After graduating in 1994, he continued his collaboration with Palmer, contributing to the opening of The Lenox Room before moving on to work with David Burke at the Park Avenue Café. Capon then spent a year honing his skills by traveling and working in Europe, broadening his culinary perspective. Upon his return, he served as a sous-chef at The St. Regis Hotel’s Astor Court under Gray Kunz, and later reunited with Charlie Palmer as the executive chef at Alva, Palmer’s American bistro. He further developed his expertise as executive chef at Matthew’s on the Upper East Side and Canteen in SoHo.

A significant turning point in Capon’s career came when he partnered with John McDonald and Josh Pickard to open Lure Fishbar, a seafood and sushi restaurant in the former Canteen space. This collaboration led to the establishment of several other successful restaurants, including Burger & Barrel Winepub, El Toro Blanco, Bowery Meat Company, and a Miami outpost of Lure Fishbar. Capon has achieved notable success, including being a seven-time winner of the People’s Choice award at the NYC Wine & Food Festival’s Burger Bash. His television appearances on shows such as “Rachael Ray,” “Good Morning America,” “TODAY,” and the Food Network have further elevated his public profile. He has also been featured in publications like “The New York Times” and “New York Magazine.”

In 2021, Capon co-founded VCR Group, a hospitality company, with Gary Vaynerchuk, Conor Hanlon, and David Rodolitz. This venture has expanded to include ITO, a 16-seat omakase restaurant in Tribeca (2022), and Flyfish Club, a private dining club which started selling NFT memberships in 2022 and opened in September 2024 on the Lower East Side. The VCR Group also opened Capon’s Burgers in the Fontainebleau on the Las Vegas Strip and the Modern American restaurant, Little Maven, in New York City’s Flatiron neighborhood, both in 2023. Capon has also been a consistent participant in the US Open, featuring his Flyfish pop-up, where he serves signature lobster rolls and oysters.