Dough Head w/ Jay Batten of Garage Pizza LA

PIE 2 PIE - A Pizza Maker’s Podcast

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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