William Dozier, General Manager

William Dozier was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, but has spent most of his life here in the Panhandle. In October 2023, he joined the Shaka team as general manager. Prior to that, William served two other restaurants in the area in the same capacity. While he knows his way around the restaurant business, this is his first experience with Japanese cuisine. He has already learned so much about the culinary scene and culture that inspires it. 

As general manager, William oversees all day-to-day operations and empowers his team to put guest satisfaction first. Ensuring Shaka provides a great dining experience to each and every guest is his top priority. 

William’s favorite menu items include the Bulgogi, Edamame Avocado Hummus and the Locals Only Roll. Make sure to try those items during your next visit! When he’s not at Shaka, you can find him spending time with family, traveling, relaxing on the beach or coaching his kiddos’ youth sports teams. 

James Sargent, Executive Chef

Growing up in a military family, Chef James Sargent has lived all over the world – Japan, Hawaii, California and Florida. His travels exposed him to different cultures and cuisines, of course, shaping him into the talented and highly sought after culinary magician he is today. 

Chef James’ restaurant career began in Pensacola, Florida, when he was 15. He worked his way up at a Japanese steakhouse, learning the tricks of the Asian fusion food trade. The many twists and turns of his culinary journey brought him to help open Shaka Sushi & Cocktail Bar on April 8, 2019. Chef James was involved from the beginning, helping draw up plans for the restaurant and spearheading menu creation. He takes great pride in serving dishes inspired by what he grew up eating, including fresh fish delivered daily.

Throughout his restaurant career, Chef James has made quite the name for himself. He currently offers in-home private dinners and exceptional catering services for customers up and down the Florida Panhandle. When he isn’t in the kitchen, he enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends and family, and spending time on the water.

Favorite Shaka dishes: The Bodhi and Kolbi Beef Short Ribs