Today we’d like to introduce you to Esteban Gutierrez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My second LA adventure began in 2021 when I took a job opportunity to start a brand-new pizzeria in Los Angeles. The project was short lived, and I was crushed. Now when I look back at that year I realize all those steps were part of this greater journey of Esco’s Pizza. My first name is Esteban and with a name like that you end up with a lot of nicknames. When the first project fell through, some amazing people I met along the way proposed a new partnership and Esco’s Pizza was born. They were invested and the believed in me and my love for pizza and for that I will forever be grateful. I remember the meeting when the pitched the new name of the pizzeria, they announced it as we rose our glasses for a toast. A surreal moment that I think of often. Esco’s on La Brea and Melrose had a great run! To be part of that community was amazing, having Bludso’s BBQ for a neighbor, One Church and Mr. Charlies across the street, it was a very exciting time. For two and a half years we made dough, shredded mozzarella and served up large, crispy, NYC slices. We had a good run but after those years it was clear the situation had to be reevaluated. The group split up and I moved down La Brea to West Pico for the new chapter of Esco’s Pizza.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been beautiful and challenging! I have had to learn constantly and manage the physical aspect of running a restaurant with the complicated behind the scenes. I am old-school, my father’s pizzeria was before the days of Instagram and TikTok and we kept a handwritten log of information for our books. The technology aspect of growing a small business was a learning curve and one I still am working to improve. I try to not only use visuals to promote the pizzeria but also speak to the camera and share the community aspect and the storytelling part of a pizza life that I love so much.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a family pizzeria. We are a community pizzeria, where the connection between the pizzeria and our customers is held in high regard. The pizza is amazing! But selling pizza is not all we do. We chat and share laughs; we find common ground and share life stories. Working the line and flipping pizzas is my first love but working the counter and sharing time and space with my customers is priceless. I am most proud of the authenticity of Esco’s. We are real people, and we love our customers. We are all in this journey together and sharing a laugh over a great slice of pizza can be powerful.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have been blessed to have many mentors throughout my career. Many have walked into my pizzeria for a slice and we ended up friends. My advice would be to find your voice and smile at strangers. If you don’t speak well, practice and learn how to shoot the breeze. This life is full of chapters and people who have been on this earth longer than you have seen so much. Be open to meeting new people and absorbing new information.
Pricing:
- Party Tray of Wings $39.99
- 20 inch Pepperoni Pie, Cesar Salad and 6 Knots $46.99
- Classic Giant NY Cheesecake $8.00
- Custom Calzones starting at $10.00
- Greek Salad $15.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://escospizzala.com
- Instagram: EscosPizzaLA
