
The Joe Rogan Experience #1487 - Janet Zuccarini & Evan Funke
Jun 8, 2020
Janet Zuccarini, CEO of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, and Evan Funke, master pasta maker and chef-owner of Felix Trattoria, dive into the trials and tribulations of the restaurant industry. They discuss the emotional toll of the pandemic on small businesses and the complexity of reopening amid new regulations. Their conversation also highlights the art of handmade pasta, the cultural significance of cooking, and the financial struggles eateries face today. They emphasize the importance of authenticity and community support in navigating these challenging times.
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Felix Trattoria Survives Riots
- Felix Trattoria, located on Abbot Kinney, survived the riots.
- The area was boarded up after receiving a warning, and the National Guard was present.
Restaurant Reopening Challenges
- Reopening restaurants after lockdown is challenging due to lack of preparation time and new regulations.
- Janet Zuccarini mentioned needing 10 days for staff preparation and navigating complex, novel-length regulations.
Fear and Uncertainty in Reopening
- There's fear and uncertainty surrounding restaurant reopening, impacting both staff and customers.
- The clientele is a wild card, with some eager to return while others, particularly those with health risks or older, are hesitant.

