A visionary armed with a passion for the hustle of small business, a lifelong love of good food and drink and a staunch belief in supporting local purveyors and suppliers, James Iranzad is a respected veteran of the Vancouver hospitality industry who first began affixing his indelible mark on the scene almost two decades ago. Born in Iran, James arrived on the West Coast by way of London, England, he graduated from UBC with a degree in Art History and Shakespearean studies and made his first foray into the industry as owner of Kitsilano establishments Abigail’s Party, Hell’s Kitchen and Flying Tiger. After savouring his first taste as an owner, James joined forces with acclaimed local bartender Josh Pape to found Gooseneck Hospitality and opened the first establishment under the brand’s umbrella in Gastown’s Wildebeest in 2012. The pair went on to launch Pizzeria Bufala in Kerrisdale in 2014, Kitsilano’s Lucky Taco in 2016, and Bells and Whistles in Fraserhood/Cedar Cottage in 2017.