Tim sits down with chef and restaurateur Jarrett Wrisley, founder of Shan in Bozeman. After two decades living and cooking across Asia, Jarrett brought his knowledge of Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines back to Montana, creating one of the most talked-about dining experiences in town.
From Journalism to Restaurants
Jarrett’s career began as a food writer, traveling Asia to explore the ties between culture, politics, and cuisine. When print journalism collapsed in the late 2000s, he pivoted into cooking full-time, opening his first restaurant, Soul Food Mahanakorn, in Bangkok in 2010. It was a success, leading to more restaurants across Asia in the years that followed.
Reinvention in Montana
When the pandemic forced Jarrett and his family back to the United States, he eventually landed in Bozeman. Starting with supper clubs in a rented house, Jarrett tested how his vision of mountain-based Asian food would resonate. The response was strong, and Shan was born.
“Restaurants are one of the most important community-building businesses. You touch so many aspects of society—jobs, agriculture, culture. If they’re run with care, they’re a force for good.” – Jarrett Wrisley
Building Shan in Bozeman
Shan is not a “paint-by-numbers” Asian restaurant. It’s a carefully curated experience where the atmosphere matters as much as the food. Guests are encouraged to share plates, explore authentic spice-forward dishes, and trust the team to guide them. The wine list leans natural, sourced from small producers, and meats and vegetables are purchased from local ranchers and farms.
Key Highlights
- Why restaurants are vital to healthy communities
- Jarrett’s leap from journalism to restaurants in Bangkok
- How the pandemic reshaped his life and led him to Montana
- The philosophy behind Shan’s food, culture, and team environment
- What makes Bozeman’s food scene stronger than people give it credit for
To learn more about Shan, go to: https://shanrestaurants.com
Mountain Mule Media is a production of Mountain Mule Transportation, connecting Montana businesses with the communities they serve.
