'Don't Be Afraid to Do Something That Nobody Understands': How This Entrepreneur Re-Invented His Career and Found Happiness Chef Joe Gatto, host of "From Scratch," gives his recipe for starting a cooking show, making deep connections through food, and believing in yourself.
By Shawn P. Walchef •
Key Takeaways
- Chef Joe Gatto's initial career path was in film production before finding his passion in the culinary arts. With his streaming show, "From Scratch," he is able to intertwine both passions and skill sets.
- Gatto says that he has learned that no one — not even your s — need to agree with your dream for you to pursue it.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Chef Joe Gatto isn't your ordinary culinary master. He's also a filmmaker and producer who seamlessly blends his passions to create a one-of-a-kind experience in the form of his show From Scratch.
With a background in film production, Joe Gatto's initial career path was far from the kitchen. However, he found his true calling in cooking. "I have a background in filmmaking. That's what I was before I was a chef," Gatto told Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media on the new episode of Restaurant Influencers. "I married both of them by making a TV show."
Related: Chef Says This Is the No. 1 Thing That Makes a Restaurant Successful or Not
For Gatto, food transcends mere sustenance. It's a conduit for forging deep connections and meaningful relationships. This philosophy has not only shaped his career but has also led him to cherish the friendships and connections he's formed along the way. As he explains, "Food leaps over politics, leaps over language, it leaps over everything... When you put a plate of food in front of somebody, you're putting a part of your soul there."
"I'm a Big Believer in Just Saying, 'F*** It.'"
Despite facing skepticism from others throughout his career, Gatto is a firm believer in following his instincts and pursuing his dreams with unwavering determination. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and resisting the temptation to conform to trends and telling your story.
"Tell it from the heart and you tell your story your way," says Gatto. "Maybe it's different. Maybe it doesn't make any sense to anyone right away."
The chef continues to carve his own path in the culinary world, unapologetically pursuing his passion and inspiring others to do the same.
Related: How The Nourish Spot Is Building a Legacy of Healthy Eating and Community Connection
"If you keep at it and you keep trying, people will find you."
About Restaurant Influencers
Restaurant Influencers is brought to you by Toast, the powerful restaurant point-of-sale and management system that helps restaurants improve operations, increase sales and create a better guest experience.
Toast — Powering Successful Restaurants. Learn more about Toast.
