132. Lawrence Longo: CEO of Prince St. Pizza, Irv's Burgers, & The Master of Premium Fast Food

Sep 10, 2024

Lawrence Longo, a Canadian entrepreneur with a Hollywood past, shares his journey from film to food. He reveals how his Italian upbringing ignited his culinary passion and led to founding Prince St. Pizza and Irv's Burgers. Lawrence discusses the creation of an innovative app to unlock secret menu items and the excitement of a burger showdown event. He also reflects on the resilience needed for success in both Hollywood and the fast-food industry, offering insights that intertwine personal stories with entrepreneurial lessons.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

From Triathlon Training to a Journey in Filmmaking

02:00 • 2min

From Hockey Dreams to Hollywood Aspirations

03:49 • 2min

From Business to Hollywood: A Journey

05:30 • 3min

Resilience and Discipline: Lessons from Entertainment to Entrepreneurship

08:48 • 2min

From Comics to Cuisine: The Journey of Off the Menu

10:24 • 11min

Reviving Herb's: The Burger Journey

21:04 • 17min

They say childhood experiences can shape our futures in unexpected ways. Have you ever considered how growing up in a vibrant food scene might spark a lifelong passion? Imagine taking that love for food and swapping a career in Hollywood for the exciting world of culinary innovation. It’s a big leap, right?

In this inspiring episode of "Hawke Talk," I sit down with Lawrence Longo, a dynamic entrepreneur whose journey is as flavorful as it is fascinating. From the glittering lights of Hollywood to the sizzling kitchens of the food industry, Lawrence's story is a masterclass in passion, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.

Join us as Lawrence takes us from his roots in a food-loving Italian family in Toronto to the bustling streets of Hollywood and, finally, into the heart of the food business. With a background in the film industry, Lawrence shares how his love for food led him to create a groundbreaking app centered around secret menu items at top restaurants.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a food enthusiast, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice to fuel your journey. Don’t miss this chance to learn from Lawrence Longo's experiences and discover how to navigate your path with confidence and creativity.

In this episode:

(00:40) Lawrence's food critique

(05:31) First job in Hollywood

(10:02) Hustling in Hollywood

(15:38) App's success

(20:00) Burger showdown event

(26:07) Timeline of restaurant openings

(30:51) Celebrating business success

(35:39) The journey of grit

(37:07) Perseverance in parenting

(37:24) Quality and customer happiness

Hawke Media

About Our Guest

Lawrence Longo, a Canadian-born entrepreneur with deep Italian roots, moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. However, his true passion—nurtured by a family that cherished cooking and sharing meals—soon led him down a different path. An unforgettable dinner at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, where he stumbled upon a hidden “off the menu” item, sparked an idea that would change his life.

Lawrence Longo

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