We recently connected with Jason Brody and have shared our conversation below.
Jason, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I get my work ethic from my late father, who was the hardest-working person I’ve ever known. Every morning, he was up early and out the door, often not returning until late at night. He built an incredibly successful career as a lawyer while dedicating significant time to various philanthropic organizations. His unwavering drive and commitment were qualities I always aspired to emulate. He worked tirelessly day in and day out, earning the respect and admiration of everyone around him. Despite his demanding schedule, he never complained—he was truly a man of the people, a role model in every sense.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
We’re a neighborhood Italian restaurant that takes pride in offering a fresh take on Italian classics. For over 20 years, we’ve had the same talented chefs in the kitchen, crafting healthier, fresher dishes made from scratch every single day. Our menu is complemented by an incredible wine list and cocktail program, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
What makes our restaurant truly special is the sense of community we’ve cultivated—both with our customers and our team. My passion for the food and beverage industry and my dedication to building genuine relationships have shaped this journey. Some of the friendships I’ve built with customers over the years have become lifelong bonds, and I cherish the lessons they’ve taught me. The dynamic, ever-changing nature of this industry keeps me motivated, even when faced with its notorious challenges. Each day presents an opportunity to grow, and I embrace every step of the journey as part of a bigger plan.
More than anything, I want people to know how much I value my team. They are the heart and soul of this business. Without them, none of this would be possible. I believe that as a leader, you’re only as good as the people standing beside you. I go above and beyond to ensure my staff feels supported and appreciated because they are the foundation of our success. Together, we’re excited to continue serving our neighborhood and climbing new heights.
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?
First, prioritizing relationships has been essential—always take care of those who take care of you. Building and maintaining strong relationships with staff, clients, and partners lays the foundation for long-term success.
Second, the mindset of “If you’re not early, you’re late” instilled in me a deep appreciation for timeliness and preparedness, teaching me the value of being ready for every opportunity.
Finally, attention to detail and a balanced approach to customer service have been critical. While paying close attention to detail ensures quality, I’ve also learned that while the saying goes, “The customer is always right,” there are limits. If a customer disrespects me, my team, or others, it’s important to stand firm and protect the business and its values. For those starting their journey, my advice is to build authentic relationships, cultivate discipline by valuing time, and balance being service-oriented with maintaining boundaries to safeguard your team and brand.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling a strong sense of accountability and guiding me with unwavering principles. They taught me the importance of respecting others, being honest and trustworthy, working hard, and striving to be the best version of myself every single day. They also emphasized the power of a positive mindset, encouraging me to seek the light at the end of the tunnel, even during life’s most challenging moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brodysitalian.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brodysitalian/
Image Credits
Joanie Simon
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