Alyssa DiPasquale

Alyssa DiPasquale is the owner and founder of The Koji Club, a sake bar and educational platform based in Boston, Massachusetts.12 Here are some key details about her:

Professional Background

Alyssa has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry.3 Before opening The Koji Club, she worked at the acclaimed Japanese restaurant o ya in Boston, starting as a hostess in 2008 and eventually becoming the restaurant manager and Advanced Sake Professional for Cushman Concepts, the restaurant group that owns o ya.23

The Koji Club

Alyssa opened The Koji Club in June 2020, initially as a virtual monthly subscription service due to the COVID-19 pandemic.1 In February 2022, she opened a physical location at the Charles River Speedway in Boston.14 The Koji Club is described as:

• Boston's first sake bar4
• A safe space to celebrate, learn about, and drink good sake2
• An intimate 16-seat, 250-square-foot space with an atmosphere similar to an authentic Japanese bar3

Mission and Approach

Alyssa's goal with The Koji Club is to reframe Japanese sake from an esoteric, hangover-inducing sushi companion to an approachable everyday beverage choice.12 She emphasizes:

• Celebration, education, and access as core values1
• Nontraditional partnerships and unique learning experiences2
• A diverse and seasonally changing sake menu1

Recognition and Achievements

Alyssa and The Koji Club have received numerous accolades, including:

• Named one of the Best Bars in America by Esquire in 20231
• Included in Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List of Best New Restaurants in the World in 20231
• Alyssa named Best Beverage Director by Boston Magazine in 202214
• Recognized in Wine Enthusiast's '40 Under 40' list3
• Featured in Imbibe magazine's 'Imbibe 75'3

Alyssa is known for her infectious enthusiasm, extensive sake knowledge, and ability to make sake approachable and enjoyable for everyone.135