Hornbill doesn’t read like a business plan. It feels like fate. The kind of concept that comes alive when two people at the height of their powers decide to collide. Jennifer Russo has spent more than a decade building her catering empire, Jennifer’s, into a fixture of Phoenix dining. Jason Asher has reshaped cocktail culture with immersive concepts like UnderTow and Century Grand. Both could have kept riding their respective waves. Instead, they’ve chosen to share the stage.
“I have had the honor of knowing Jason for years, and have watched his portfolio and concepts grow with admiration. Personally, we are both California Culinary alumni, and it is serendipitous that we ended up collaborating together," says Jennifer.
Jason doesn’t hesitate to return the compliment.
“I have always viewed Jennifer as a savvy industry veteran. Someone who has consistently proven her expertise and resilience in this dynamic field. Her track record of success and her ability to navigate challenges with confidence and grace are truly inspiring to me. Working alongside her pushes me to think more creatively and more ambitiously.”
The admiration is mutual, but Hornbill isn’t built on nostalgia. Both were hungry for reinvention. Jennifer was entering her 13th season at The Market and ready to refresh her culinary playground. Jason, at a crossroads, wanted to channel his creativity into something that felt personal again.
“My search for talented, proficient operators; people with genuine passion for reinvention, led me back to Arcadia, where I reconnected with Jennifer,” Jason says. “Her vision aligned perfectly with mine.”
What they’ve imagined is neither hers nor his alone. Hornbill, slated for early 2026, is pitched as a restaurant-lounge, a social haven, and a sensory playground. Jennifer and Jason speak about it less like entrepreneurs and more like artists. For Jennifer, the allure is food that transports.
“For me, the goal is to have our patrons not only be immersed through the incredible aesthetics and curated cocktails, but to have their taste buds fully immersed in the Hornbill experience as well. There’s nothing else quite like this in Arcadia.”
Jason, true to form, leans into the story.
“Nestled in the heart of Phoenix, The Hornbill is more than just a cocktail bar; it’s a lively celebration of the rich cultural and culinary heritage of Singapore and Southeast Asia. The name pays homage to the iconic bird, known for its distinctive charm and symbolic significance as a creature of unity, strength, and a connection between earth and sky. That symbolism felt right.”
The inspiration struck during his travels through Southeast Asia. Jason came back obsessed with flavors, textures, botanicals, and the market culture. He talks about the electricity of night markets... the perfume of lemongrass and chili in the air, the glow of lanterns, the rhythmic pulse of music spilling from crowded stalls. Hornbill, he says, is a way of bottling that sensory chaos into a refined Arcadia destination.
And Jennifer was eager to flip her kitchen toward South-Asian–inspired plates.
Dumplings, shareable dishes, curated small bites... her food will be fresh, hyper-local, and executed with her signature OCD-level perfectionism.
“It’s only done when every part of each dish tastes and looks how I envision it in my brain, LOL,” she admits.
Jason, meanwhile, is bent on elevating the cocktail program beyond what Phoenix has seen before.
“By leveraging advanced techniques, I’ve been able to create ingredients that simplify execution while letting each element truly shine. I want cocktails that are both innovative and approachable, where every detail tells a story and delights the senses.”
Guests can expect vibrant glassware, bold garnishes, and drinks that perfume the air before the first sip.
Together, they’re playing to strengths: Jennifer in the back, Jason in the front. But it isn’t a hard line. They riff on each other’s ideas constantly.
“We piggyback on each others’ ideas, and usually have a good laugh while discussing concepts and the future,” Jennifer says.
The two talk about synergy the way some people talk about falling in love- different worlds colliding into something larger.
“When two distinct perspectives collide, it often results in the birth of innovative ideas, fresh viewpoints, and a dynamic synergy that can lead to extraordinary outcomes. It’s more than just forming a partnership; it’s a shared journey of discovery," says Jason.
Hornbill will be immersive, but not in the way of past Asher projects with overt narrative gimmicks. Here, the story is woven through space and the people. Think lush greenery against dark wood, dim lighting that hums with intimacy, and a bar that feels like the beating heart of the room.
“Storytelling may not be the central focus in the way it has been before, but it still plays a vital role. A compelling narrative underpins the space, giving the team confidence to share it with guests and making each interaction more meaningful. Ultimately, it’s about inspiring conversation and ensuring every guest leaves with a story of their own," he says.
Jennifer, ever blunt, cuts to the chase: “It’s going to be spectacular.”
Hornbill will open in early 2026, designed as a place where food and drink carry equal weight, where seasons will keep menus shifting, and where Arcadia gains a social retreat unlike anything else in its orbit. Jason hopes guests leave saying: That was an experience like no other. Jennifer is betting they will.