116. From Pop Up to South Bay Smash Burger Sensation with Matt from Proudly Serving
Show Notes:
About the Guest(s):
Matt is the owner of Proudly Serving, a South Bay Smashburger sensation located in Redondo Beach, California. Before venturing into the restaurant industry, Matt operated a PR firm specializing in hospitality.
Originally from New Jersey, Matt has a rich background in hospitality and has played a key role in introducing the vibrant Smashburger culture to the Los Angeles area. His transition from a PR professional to a restaurateur has been marked by resilience and adaptability.
Episode Summary:
Discover the intriguing journey of Matt, the entrepreneurial spirit behind Proudly Serving, in this engaging episode.
Hosting the show is Stefan from LA Hackers, who talks with Matt about his transition from a PR-focused career to becoming the Smashburger guru of the South Bay.
This compelling narrative unfolds as Matt shares how his background and unique experiences have influenced his current position as a trending restaurant owner.
In this conversation, Matt recounts his journey from New Jersey to Los Angeles, detailing how an unexpected opportunity for his wife led them to Salt Lake City before ultimately settling in the South Bay.
Highlighting the pivotal moment when the pandemic hit, Matt paints a picture of the challenges faced by his former PR firm, pushing him to explore his latent passion for gastronomy.
The drive to create something sustainable during these times birthed the idea of the Proudly Serving pop-up, which started right in his driveway. This venture quickly grew popular, thanks to the unique and nostalgic flavors inspired by his New Jersey roots.
The episode delves into Matt’s guerrilla marketing strategies and how leveraging his PR skills was crucial in promoting his smashburger pop-up.
The narrative captures his transition from makeshift pop-ups to setting up a permanent presence at Project Barley on the Redondo Beach Pier.
Through creative initiative and community support, Matt’s journey from enthusiastic pop-up chef to respected restaurateur is both inspiring and insightful, offering a well-rounded glimpse into the workings of small business success in the food industry.
Key Takeaways:
- Matt’s journey illustrates how unexpected challenges can lead to new opportunities in areas you might not have anticipated.
- Building connections within your industry, such as those Matt had with local breweries, can be crucial in business development and expansion.
- Innovation grounded in nostalgia, as seen in Matt’s homage to New Jersey burgers, can resonate deeply with customers.
- Guerrilla marketing and leveraging existing skill sets are effective strategies for launching a new business.
- Resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
Notable Quotes:
- “I’ve always loved New York City with all my heart, but never thought I’d leave New Jersey.”
- “I never thought I’d actually be in the kitchen, making food that people would enjoy.”
- “The feedback alone is what pushed me to continue to do it.”
- “I knew the story of Proudly Serving had legs… it was a story that people would want to share.”
- “We became our own bubble, and that was the birth of Proudly Serving.”
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