We were lucky to catch up with Anthony Laquatra recently and have shared our conversation below.
Anthony, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I didn’t wake up one day and think, “This is it.” Finding my purpose wasn’t some lightbulb moment—it was more like putting together pieces of a puzzle, most of which I didn’t even know I had. It’s something I built over time, shaped by my son, my sobriety, the people who’ve left their mark on me, and the unwavering support of my girlfriend, Lydia.
First off, my son is my why. Everything I do, every step I take, I think about the legacy I’m leaving for him. I want him to see what it means to chase something bigger than yourself, to take the hard road when it’s worth it, and to create something meaningful for the world.
Sobriety was another turning point. It stripped everything down to the studs and forced me to rebuild. When you’re clear-headed, you start to see what really matters—community, creativity, and showing up for the people who count on you. That’s when I realized I didn’t just want to exist—I wanted to create something real, something that could give back to the industry that’s shaped me.
My parents played a huge role, too. My dad was one of the best chefs in Cleveland, and I grew up watching him put everything he had into his work. Above his desk, he stenciled the words “Good is not enough,” and that stuck with me. It’s how I approach everything now—whether it’s my brand, my writing, or just showing up as a dad myself. My mom, on the other hand, was the steady force, always reminding me of the value of compassion and kindness. She taught me to care about people, to really see them, and that shaped how I approach everything I do. Together, they showed me the balance between grit and heart, and that’s what I try to bring into my work and my life every day.
Losing my friend Chef Kellen Smith hit hard. It made me realize just how much people in this industry are carrying—stress, pressure, loss. And yet, we still show up for the hustle. I knew I wanted to create something that felt like a lifeline, a way to remind people that they’re not alone, that there’s a community out there that gets it.
And then there’s Lydia. She’s been there through it all—every setback, every leap of faith, every late night where I wondered if any of this was even worth it. She believes in me when I don’t believe in myself, and she reminds me of the vision when I start to lose it. Her constant support, her steady presence—it’s like having a lighthouse in the storm.
Everything I’ve been through—my transition from design to the kitchen, late nights, early mornings, and the grind of finding my footing—it all led me here. To Dinner Rush, to building spaces where chefs, cooks, bartenders, and servers can feel seen, connected, and supported.
It wasn’t a straight path. Honestly, it never is. But my purpose? I found it in the work, the losses, the victories, and the people who’ve walked beside me. It’s about being real, giving back, and building something that lasts.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I run Dinner Rush, a streetwear brand that’s all about giving the restaurant and bar industry the voice it deserves—but it’s more than just clothes. It’s a platform, a community, and yeah, a little chaos. Dinner Rush is about representing the people who make this industry tick—the cooks, bartenders, servers, and dishwashers who don’t just work hard but are also some of the most creative, driven, and underrated people out there.
And that’s where WDRF: Dinner Rush Radio comes in. It’s our uncensored, unfiltered comedy talk radio platform where we get real about the industry, life, and everything in between. This isn’t some buttoned-up corporate podcast—it’s raw, edgy, and full of the kind of humor and honesty that only people in the trenches of this industry can bring. We’re not afraid to call out the bullshit or laugh about the stuff nobody else wants to talk about. It’s a mix of comedy, culture, and the kind of stories that make you say, “Yeah, I’ve been there.”
What I’m most excited about is showing that there’s so much more creativity in this industry than people realize. We’re not just serving beers or flipping pans—there are storytellers, musicians, designers, writers, and innovators working behind the scenes. Dinner Rush and WDRF are here to shine a light on that.
We’re just getting started. The streetwear line is growing, new designs are on the way, and we’re looking at hosting pop-ups and live events to bring the community together. We’ve got the Discord server, a space for industry-only conversations and support, and WDRF is evolving into a platform for everything from comedy and talk radio to interviews with people who’ve got something to say.
At the end of the day, Dinner Rush is for the people who feel overlooked—the ones who grind it out every night and still have something creative and important to share. If that’s you, this is your brand, your radio station, your community. Welcome to Dinner Rush.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Resilience: This industry (and life) will beat you down. Learn to take the hits, get back up, and keep moving forward.
Creativity: Whether it’s designing a brand, plating a dish, or solving problems on the fly, creativity is what sets you apart. Don’t be afraid to think differently or take risks.
Self-awareness: Know your strengths, your limits, and when to ask for help. Growth starts with being honest with yourself.
Start showing up. Resilience comes from getting through the tough days. Creativity grows when you experiment and fail a little. And self-awareness? That comes from reflection—ask yourself why you’re doing this and where you want to go. Keep grinding, but don’t lose sight of why you’re doing it.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Yeah, definitely. Sobriety has been a huge part of my journey, but it’s not something you just check off and move on from—it’s a daily choice. One of the biggest challenges I face is time. Balancing my sobriety, being a father, running Dinner Rush, and trying to stay present isn’t easy.
When I drank, I felt like I was stealing time—time away from myself, my son, and the things I cared about. Now, staying sober means constantly reevaluating how I spend my time and making sure it aligns with the person I want to be, especially as a dad. I want my son to see that I’m not just talking about being better, but I’m living it.
It’s hard, though. Some days it feels like there aren’t enough hours to do everything and still show up as the dad and person I know I need to be. But that’s the work—choosing to prioritize what really matters and making sure the time I have is meaningful, not wasted. Sobriety gave me that clarity, and it’s something I hold onto every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dontburnthefood.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopdinnerrush
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565729897870
Image Credits
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