Houston's Asian American Journeys: Glen Gondo
Produced in partnership with the University of St. Thomas MAX Studios and Yetter Coleman LLP
Ever pick up some sushi at your local HEB? Glen Gondo is the man behind those trays of sushi — as well as cultural engagement throughout Houston. Hear about Glen's journey in the food industry, his passion for sharing Japanese culture, and his dedication to the Asian American political sphere, cultural organizations, and many other areas of the greater Houston community.
On Sushi:
On Cultural Engagement:
About Glen Gondo
Glen Yoshiaki Gondo was born in Los Angeles, California in 1948. Soon after, he and his family moved to Watsonville, California. After spending most of his childhood in Watsonville, Glen and his family moved to Dallas, Texas to open a Japanese restaurant. He married his wife Kathleen in 1973 before moving back to California where he worked in the frozen food business. After two years, he moved to New York City to join his family in the jewelry business until 1984 when he moved to Houston, Texas where he started a sushi catering business, live sushi bars, and sushi bars in Fiesta supermarkets. He also began consulting for Japanese companies like Toshiba, started an international trade business, and opened retail stores at Bush Intercontinental Airport. Glen began catering for Continental Airlines and at universities, culminating in the opening of sushi bars in HEB supermarkets in 2002.
About Houston's Asian American Journeys
In partnership with the University of St. Thomas MAX Studios, Asia Society Texas presents a new video series, Houston's Asian American Journeys. Through short video interviews with local Asian Americans, the series illuminates the voices that make up a vital part of the most diverse city in the U.S.
Featuring Houstonians who reflect the richness and diversity of the local Asian American communities, the series highlights a variety of experiences, cultures, religions, and ethnicities and explores themes of identity, memory, and shared humanity. In sharing these personal journeys, Asia Society Texas and the University of St. Thomas seek to build empathy and connectivity between people, as well as deepen our collective understanding of Asian American experiences in Houston.
About the University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas is a comprehensive university, grounded in the liberal arts. Committed to the unity of all knowledge, we offer programs in the traditional liberal arts, professional, and skill-based disciplines. Graduates of the University of St. Thomas think critically, communicate effectively, succeed professionally and lead ethically.
By pursuing excellence in teaching, scholarship and service, we embody and instill in our students the core values of our founders, the Basilian Fathers: goodness, discipline and knowledge. We foster engagement in a diverse, collaborative community, and our student body reflects the rich diversity of the city itself. We welcome undergraduate and graduate students of all faiths and of no faith.
About UST Max Studios
In his lifetime, St. Maximilian Kolbe founded and ran a radio station and several publications. It is in this tradition that University of St. Thomas – Houston steps into the realm of digital content creation through MAX Studios. Inspired by St. Maximilian’s passion and emboldened by St. John Paul II’s words in his encyclical “Redemptoris Missio,” MAX Studios’ goal is to provide fresh monthly content and conversation. MAX Studios aims to encounter the surrounding culture while highlighting the diversity of the Catholic Faith Tradition.
About Asia Society Texas
Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.
Series Sponsor
