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In This Episode, hear the inspiring journey of Jay Batten, owner of the iconic Garage Pizza in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. Among the first to elevate the pizza landscap of Los Angeles back in the early 2000's

Highlights:

• Jay's transition from aspiring actor to successful restaurateur
• The challenges of opening multiple businesses, including Garage Pizza, Jay's Bar, and Big Spirits
• Insights into the changing landscape of Silver Lake and its impact on local businesses
• Behind-the-scenes stories of running a late-night pizzeria in a bustling neighborhood
• Jay's experiences with creating viral marketing content and short films for his brand
• Discussion on staff management, customer relations, and adapting to industry changes
• The evolution of pizza delivery and the impact of food delivery apps
• Jay's passion for rock music and its influence on his business approach

Whether you're a pizza lover, aspiring entrepreneur, or fan of LA's food scene, this episode offers valuable insights into the ups and downs of running a successful pizzeria in one of America's most dynamic neighborhoods. Join us for an honest, entertaining conversation about pizza, perseverance, and the pursuit of passion in the restaurant industry.

CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 - Introduction and sponsor message 00:03:33 - Alex's personal connection to Garage Pizza 00:05:57 - Jay's background and journey to Los Angeles 00:08:57 - The decision to open Garage Pizza in 2008 00:13:12 - Discussing the early days of LA's pizza scene 00:19:11 - Expansion to downtown LA and business challenges 00:24:24 - Opening Jay's Bar and diversifying the business 00:31:33 - The creation of Dough Heads short film 00:36:57 - Reflections on the changing restaurant industry 00:42:24 - The impact of review sites and customer entitlement 00:49:49 - Jay's experience with multiple businesses 00:57:50 - The evolution of Silver Lake neighborhood 01:03:58 - Staffing challenges and maintaining long-term employees 01:15:50 - The importance of hands-on management 01:21:19 - Reflections on business success and challenges 01:31:40 - The value of humility in business 01:39:41 - Jay's thoughts on the greatest band of all time 01:43:25 - Closing thoughts and outro