Wine & Service Director/partner

James Horn is the Wine & Service Director for Mike Isabella Concepts. James also served as the opening General Manager and Beverage Director of Chef Isabella’s first restaurant, Graffiato in DC.

Previous to his work with Chef Isabella, James spent years in New York City, managing and opening restaurants for successful chefs and restaurateurs such as Scott Conant, Michael Psilakis, and Donatella Arpaia. Before heading to New York, James also spent a year as beverage manager at José Andrés’ Zaytinya in Washington, D.C.

James grew up working in his family’s restaurant business in New Jersey, working all positions at their 80 year old landmark restaurant, Pals Cabin. After graduating high school, James attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI where he graduated with honors and earned a bachelor’s degree in food service management and an associate’s degree in culinary arts.