Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Gard.
Olivia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 1986, my family immigrated to America from Cambodia when I was just three years old. We were refugees of a war-torn country where more than half of the population was killed. My family was so poor that the best meals were school lunches. Of all the meals, I remember getting excited every day for pastrami grilled cheese. Every single bite was a little taste of heaven. Even when life was hard and harsh, the grilled cheese melted my heart and warmed my soul each and every time.
That warm and heartfelt feeling of yesteryears continued to linger until I realized my dream of wanting everyone to experience the same feeling. As I got older, I worked as a barista at a donut shop for several years until I saved up enough to open up Cheesus Christ. My partner and I worked hard to craft up a menu of sandwiches that inspired us from various aspects of our lives. For instance, Shogun Melt is my partner’s signature melt that ties in his nickname. The South Jersey Philly Melt was inspired from our travels to Philadelphia and many more. Now, we are so proud to serve the greater Los Angeles community and hope that our food melts all hearts and warms everyone who comes to enjoy it.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
This road has been bumpy, lumpy, and rocky. We took out all our savings and really ran with our dream. I quit my stable job that provided our essential needs to focus 100%. We weren’t sure what the outcome would be. There were so many questions that came up. “Will people like our sandwiches?” “Can we really do this?” There were days when the sales were so low and we questioned if we can still continue to move forward. From the struggles of finding clients to dealing with last-minute cancellations to reviewing options, each accomplishment was a milestone. And yet, with each obstacle was an opportunity. I believe every day that our’s is a success story. Although each day is a struggle, we can honestly say we love what we do.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Cheesus Christ?
I am so proud of our business and what we have been able to create together. Cheesus Christ specializes in making the best-grilled cheese sandwiches in town. We have more than 9 specialty sandwiches, each one packs its own punch. From the original grilled cheese to the pastrami stuffed Jamie, every one of them is a hit! You can definitely check out our customer’s favorite and best seller, the Lexington BBQ melt which combines fried chicken, bacon, honey bbq sauce, ranch and cheddar cheese on a crunchy Texas toast with an option of tater tots or crispy seasoned fries on the side. Tasting is believing! In the next couple of years, we would like to expand to a small cafe that incorporates the feeling of warm melted cheese and happy espresso wake-me-ups.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was so shy but very nurturing at the same time. I have a love of bread and sugary everything. My eyes beam at the sight of sweets and smile at the smell of coffee. My personality is spunky, spontaneous, fun-loving, adventurous, and easy-going.
My interest was in people and their love of life. I love everyone and have a gift of chatter. I could talk to anyone about their most adventurous trips around the world but still shy at the very first encounter. I love the feeling of meeting and making people feel great!
My partner is an amazing, sweet, and hardworking guy. We have been together for over 10 years and share the joy of crafting different food items and traveling to different states with our team of little minis. Unlike my shy first encounter, Saroth talks to everyone and loves conversations. He’s funny, smart, and easy-going. He is a sous chef who has grown up with the love of food. His love of his mom’s fried chicken helped craft our signature Buff City sandwich, which really holds its own.
Together, we are a powerful duo that definitely rocks Cheesus Christ!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Cheesuschrist_lb
Image Credits
Lauren Urasek
