Inspiring Conversations with Reece Soltani of Chachi’s

Today we’d like to introduce you to Reece Soltani.

Reece, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Chachi’s wasn’t some lifelong dream we had planned, it was more like we wanted to build something of our own and this was the door that opened. We had the degrees, the “safe” careers, but kept feeling pulled toward creating something tangible and community-driven.

When the opportunity presented itself to open a small sandwich shop next door to where we lived, we jumped on it. But we knew we needed to be different. San Pedro is a self-proclaimed sandwich town, and they take it seriously. It was considered a bold move to open a sandwich spot in a town that already had so many, so we were intentionally bold with the menu.

We leaned into unexpected flavor combinations, and limited our menu to only 7 sandwiches; something not any other spot in town was doing. We focused on building a brand that would also stand out – something inviting, wholesome, but edgy and meant for the people.

What started as just wanting to start our own business turned into Chachi’s becoming this scrappy, creative, neighborhood spot that people feel genuinely connected to, and that’s been the most unexpected and best part of all.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, the biggest challenges have been figuring everything out in real time while the world feels like it’s constantly shifting. We didn’t come from culinary backgrounds, so we’re was learning food costs, staffing, systems, and supply chain on the fly, all while trying to build something that didn’t feel cookie cutter. We’ve dealt with rising prices, slow seasons, hiring the right people, and the mental rollercoaster of owning something where every win and every mistake are yours. There were moments where we questioned if I was crazy for leaving a stable career, but each obstacle forced us to get scrappier, more creative, and more clear about who we are. In a weird way, the challenges shaped Chachi’s just as much as the wins did.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Chachi’s isn’t just about sandwiches; it’s about creating moments. Whether someone’s grabbing lunch on the go, ordering catering for a big event, or stopping by for a quick bite, we want them to feel like they’ve found their little happy place. Chachi’s is playful, a little cheeky, and totally obsessed with delivering elevated food experiences that make you say “damn that’s good” and immediately want to tell a friend. Our sandwiches aren’t just sandwiches, they’re a vibe and people who know about them feel like they are “in the know”.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eatchachis.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chachissanpedro/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578021026645
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chachissanpedro/?viewAsMember=true
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chachi-s-san-pedro
• Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=Chachi%27s+Reviews