Savor The Flavor
At Rice Life, we bring the sizzle of teppanyaki and the bold flavors of hibachi straight to your plate. Founded by Chef Marcus Johnson, the concept was born from passion, resilience, and a love for high-quality, flavor-packed rice dishes. Whether you’re craving Combination Fried Rice, our signature Sushi Salad with Wasabi Ranch, or the one-of-a-kind Breakfast Fried Rice, every bite is a celebration of taste and culture.
Meet Chef Marcus Johnson
Raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Chef Marcus was born into a family of culinary excellence. His mother, an executive chef, and his grandmother, who ran the community kitchen at church, shaped his early love for cooking. He honed his skills at Scarlet Oaks, where he trained under master chefs and led a competitive culinary team. Furthering his expertise, he earned his degree from Sullivan University in Louisville, one of the nation’s top culinary schools.
His journey took him from interning at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas to working with the renowned Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, climbing the ranks to Sous Chef. Later, as Executive Chef at a senior living center in Indian Hill, Marcus showcased his leadership and culinary artistry. When the world changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, he pivoted—bringing hibachi to the streets under a tent, where the Rice Life movement began.
The Story Behind Rice Life
When restaurants shut down, Chef Marcus found a way to keep cooking—setting up shop outdoors with just a griddle and a dream. Hibachi became his specialty, drawing in crowds and turning a simple idea into a thriving business. The name Rice Life? It came from a friend who once told a customer, “My boy’s rice so nice, it’s giving you life!”—and the rest is history.
Why Rice Life?
✔ Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients – No shortcuts, just bold, unforgettable flavors.
✔ Teppanyaki & Hibachi with a Twist – Classic techniques, innovative flavors.
✔ Born from Passion, Built with Love – A story of resilience and culinary artistry.
Join us at Rice Life, where every meal is made with heart, history, and a whole lot of flavor.