DiscoverThe Disruptive Chef EntrepreneurFrom the Line to Leadership: Matt Vascellaro on Kitchen Realities, Evolving Beliefs, and the Art of Running a Restaurant
From the Line to Leadership: Matt Vascellaro on Kitchen Realities, Evolving Beliefs, and the Art of Running a Restaurant

From the Line to Leadership: Matt Vascellaro on Kitchen Realities, Evolving Beliefs, and the Art of Running a Restaurant

Update: 2025-09-23
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In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with chef, pitmaster, and restaurateur Matt Vascellaro, the owner of JJ Cooper’s and founder of Matty Smokes BBQ. From bussing tables at 14 to running restaurants and catering businesses, Matt shares his journey through the highs and chaos of hospitality, highlighting how discipline, consistency, and servant leadership shaped his path. He opens up about building systems in the kitchen, balancing creativity with profitability, and leading by example to empower his team. Listeners will gain insights into what it really takes to thrive in food service, the sacrifices behind the scenes, and how Matt continues to grow both his business and his family life while staying true to his passion for hospitality.


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AND MOST IMPORTANTLYSubscribe to join our Disruptive Chef Community: ⁠https://disruptivechef.club/⁠Discover more episodes: https://www.christianjfischer.com/my-podcast⁠TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedisruptivechef⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/⁠Thank you for tuning in on this journey of culinary disruption. Until next time, keep innovating, stay inspired, and dare to disrupt the culinary world!


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From the Line to Leadership: Matt Vascellaro on Kitchen Realities, Evolving Beliefs, and the Art of Running a Restaurant

From the Line to Leadership: Matt Vascellaro on Kitchen Realities, Evolving Beliefs, and the Art of Running a Restaurant

Christian J. Fischer