About Jiā Chinese Kitchen
Our story, our mission, and our passion for authentic Chinese cuisine
Our Story
Jiā was founded by friends Aaron Marasia and Marcos Yang with a vision to redefine Chinese cuisine for the modern, health-conscious consumer. Originally from China, Marcos moved to New York in high school, where he and Aaron bonded over their love of food, entrepreneurship, and basketball. Inspired by authentic flavors and the customizable approach of fast-casual dining, they set out to create a restaurant where guests could enjoy high-quality Chinese bowls made with bold ingredients. With Marcos’s deep roots in the restaurant industry and Aaron’s background in business and finance, they built Jiā to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. More than just a restaurant, Jiā—which means "home" in Chinese—represents a place where people can gather, enjoy delicious food, and feel a sense of belonging
Our Mission
At Jiā Chinese Kitchen, our mission is to make health-conscious and customizable Chinese cuisine that can be enjoyed by all. We are committed to using fresh and organic ingredients, authentic flavors, and innovative cooking techniques to deliver a fast-casual dining experience like no other. Through our food, service, and atmosphere, we strive to create a welcoming space where every guest feels at home.
Our Team
Aaron Marasia
Originally from Long Island and a graduate of Tulane University, Aaron brings a diverse background in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. He currently works in investment banking at HSBC, where he has honed his analytical and relationship-management skills. Previously, he worked for the CEO of Bagel Boss, gaining valuable insight into the restaurant industry. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for business, Aaron is dedicated to transforming Jiā into a leading fast-casual brand. In his free time, he enjoys watching the Knicks, working out or running, and spending time at the beach.
Marcos Yang
Marcos grew up in China before moving to Long Island in 2017. A recent graduate of New York University, he now runs Jiā’s operations full-time. With management experience at several restaurants in New York City and Long Island, as well as a deep understanding of the real estate market, he brings both strategic expertise and culinary vision to the team. As the mastermind behind Jiā’s menu, Marcos ensures that every item is perfect. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, traveling, and going to concerts.
Chloe Mi
Chloe graduated from New York University with a degree in Economics. She began her career in equity research before taking a gap year to pursue her passion for food. She completed the Culinary Arts program at the Institute of Culinary Education. She has since gained hands-on experience working at Aquavit, Mori, and Maki Kosaka, where she refined her technical skills and understanding of high-level kitchen operations. In addition to her professional kitchen experience, Chloe is a content creator known as “magicmimi,” with over 200,000 followers across Rednote and Douyin, where she documented her journey at different restaurant kitchens.