'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.

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.

More from Restaurant Influencers

What It's Like Putting on a Restaurant Show for 55,000 People

How a Spot on 'The Montel Williams Show' Sparked a Restaurant Power Brand for This Miami Chef

A Loyal Customer Asked Him to Cater One Event. Now, He Runs More Than 1,000 a Year.

This 'Chopped' Champ Beat Cancer 6 Times, Lost Nearly 200 Pounds and Found Power in Presence

Side Hustle

She Quit Her Job at Trader Joe's After Starting a Side Hustle With $800 — Then She and Her Brother Grew the Business to $20 Million

Jaime Holm and Matt Hannula teamed up to build a business in an industry that "didn't exist" yet.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Buying / Investing in Business

Former Zillow Execs Target $1.3T Market

Co-ownership is creating big opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Growing a Business

This Local Bakery Has Lines Out the Door. Here Are the Secrets to Its Success.

Known for its viral flat croissants and innovative desserts, Alexander's Patisserie also excels in hands-on leadership and team culture.

Growing a Business

How to Build the Ultimate Partner Network for Your Startup

Having a network of strategic partners is essential for sustainable growth. Here's why — and what it takes to build one.

Business News

Microsoft Is Laying Off Over 6,000 Employees, About 3% of Its Workforce. Here's Why.

The company said the cuts will affect all divisions and locations, with a focus on managers.