Our Story...
Zen 721 is locally owned and operated by Brian & Lizzie Mason, who are also the owners of BL Bistro. Brian acts as head chef at both restaurants.  Brian was born and raised in Amarillo and began his work in the restaurant business at 15 years old at the Kabuki Japanese Steakhouse on Western Street in Amarillo, with Tadamichi Tayama. After Kabuki, he moved on to various other jobs, moved to California and then back to Amarillo. In 1997, Brian moved to Dallas to attend culinary school, but shortly after moving there, he ran into some old friends from Kabuki. Teiichi Sakurai and Masayuki Otaka took Brian under their wings and gave him the opportunity to work in the kitchen at the best sushi restaurant in Dallas, Teppo Yakitori and Sushi Bar. After a couple of years at Teppo, Sakurai got the itch to open a new restaurant and took Brian with him.

Tei Tei Robata Bar gave Brian the chance to work in every aspect of the business. He worked with the construction, in the kitchen, waiting tables, bartending and as Manager.
In May of 2000, Brian packed up to move back to Amarillo with his fiance, Lizzie. They were married in July and opened BL Bistro on August 16th. With the success of BL Bistro and the wonderful support of its patrons, a new opportunity for another restaurant was brought to Brian in the summer of 2003. Construction began in July 2003 and opening day of Zen 721 was December 2nd.  Zen, meaning the practice of discovering one's true self through meditation and then to vitalize that self in every day life, was the relaxed theme Brian was going for and 721 is Lizzie's birthday,   July 21st. Brian's talent combined with his knowledge of fine Japanese cuisine is the motivation for Zen's flavor. Since Brian created his own menu, all food items and specials are unique and each is dressed up to offer the best in taste and presentation. Since its opening, Zen 721 has been named "Best New Restaurant," "Best Asian, "Best Fish" and "Best Gourmet" in the July 2004 issue of Amarillo's Accent West Magazine. None of this would be possible without the support and love of our family, friends and amazing customers. Thank you for your continued support!
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