Meet
Pete Giokas.

About us

Behind the memories created at each Matsuhisa private event lies a man whose story mirrors the brand’s refined rhythm.

As Director of Marketing and Events for Matsuhisa’s trio of Colorado outposts—Aspen, Vail, and Denver—Pete Giokas is the architect of more than 500 private events each year, from intimate dinners for two to high-profile soirées for the world’s most discerning guests.

A Colorado native and CU alum, Giokas’s culinary journey began far from the Rockies—in Los Angeles, where he joined the opening team at Nobu in 2008. Eight years later, he returned home to help open Matsuhisa Denver in 2016.

About us

By Pana

Now in his seventeenth year working for Chef Nobu, after mastering nearly every front-of-house role, he brings with him a deep understanding of what he calls kokoro—a Japanese word meaning “heart, mind, and spirit.”

“Matsuhisa’s culture is an extension of Chef Nobu’s kokoro,” Giokas explains. “Everything we do—from restaurant design to the cuisine, to the way we train our teams—is a reflection of Chef’s heart.”

Matsuhisa’s offsite footprint extends far beyond the city, with Giokas and his team curating experiences at events like the Palm Tree Music Festival’s Palm Club in Aspen and the Denver Polo Classic. Corporate clients—from the Denver Broncos to JP Morgan—trust Matsuhisa Colorado to deliver moments that are as seamless as they are spectacular.

For Giokas, the mission is simple yet profound: to ensure every event embodies kokoro—Chef Nobu’s enduring philosophy of excellence, authenticity, and heart.