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Borekas Founder Uzi Wizman on Creating a Food Business from Social Media Interview with Uzi Wizman, founder of Borekas and PSY Street Kitchen, about growing a brand from an Instagram Story and sharing culture with the world.

By Shawn P. Walchef

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Uzi Wizman's culinary journey began as a 16-year-old dishwasher. Years later, after opening PSY Street Kitchen in the heart of the Sherman Oaks Shopping Center in Los Angeles, his passion for growth and innovation led to him founding Borekas (pronounced Borekas) Sephardic Pastries.

After six years operating the popular PSY Street Kitchen, Uzi Wizman and his wife Gal Ben Goya wanted to expand. But instead of opening another kitchen across town, the owners thought outside the box by opening a pastry operation inside the same shopping center as PSY.

Thus, the concept of Borekas was born — a 700-square-foot venture, marked by a humble window, offering the delectable pastry bourekas.

"And I'm like, okay, we are in the middle of Sherman Oaks Shopping Center. What can we sell out of the window?" recounts Uzi Wizman to Restaurant Influencers podcast host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media.

"And we're talking about 700 square feet, right? Okay, let's make bourekas. So we just made the sign of Borekas. Opened a new company. Just make it very easy, fast. Nothing too complicated."

Wizman's vision is focused on creating something truly unique, personal, and of unparalleled quality. Eschewing the pressure of rapid expansion and avoiding partnerships for financial support, they aspire to develop a curated chain of around 40 locations in the next five to six years, while delivering the highest quality of food.

"I don't want to be in a rush," says Wizman. "If I have, in five, six years from now, 40 locations, I'm happy. I don't need more than that. And the most important is to keep it at this quality."

For Uzi Wizman, success is not just about numbers; it's about seeing people from diverse backgrounds lining up for his Borekas. The delight of discovering articles in Chinese newspapers extolling the virtues of his pastries. And witnessing customers from all over the world enjoying Turkish coffee and savoring the flavors of his bourekas. That's what drives him.

Each encounter with a newcomer, like the Japanese customers turned friends, who have embraced this delightful culinary tradition, strengthens his resolve to stay true to his vision and deliver an unforgettable experience with each bite of Borekas Sephardic Pastries.

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Shawn P. Walchef

Founder of Cali BBQ Media

“Be the show, not the commercial.”

Cali BBQ Media Founder Shawn Walchef helps brands and leaders leverage the new Business Creator Economy with strategic Smartphone Storytelling and Digital Hospitality.

His Cali BBQ restaurant company has generated more than $35 million since opening in 2008. They operate numerous locations in San Diego and beyond.

Shawn’s weekly video series Restaurant Influencers (published by Entrepreneur Media and produced by Cali BBQ Media) has been seen by over 25 million people.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

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