Today we’d like to introduce you to James Fronk.
Executive chef and founder, James started his restaurant career washing dishes at a local seafood restaurant in upstate New York at the age of 14. After tackling every position from prep cook to head chef, and server to General manager he decided to open his own spot and put everything he had learned to the test.
Founded in January of 2009, Fronk’s Restaurant focused on well thought out and prepared American food such as thick 1.2 pound Angus burgers, original barbecue, and side dishes that continue to amaze. Fronk’s quickly became a local cult hit and soon their first location of just 1200 sq. ft. was too small and they’d build and open up a brand new location over 4 times to size of their original location. Fronk’s added over 20 craft beers and a selection of handpicked local wines and soon after added full liquor.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No one gets into the restaurant business because it’s smooth and profitable. I chose this business because I have no choice but to be creative and this allows me to do so. The struggle is the hours away from family, the physical struggle of working those hours, and without a doubt the mental hurdles of keeping it all together with a smile for the customer. Creating a business in a not-so-business-friendly state doesn’t help either, California makes no effort to lift small business owners up, but rather looks only to catch them should they forget one of the thousands of ever changing regulations we’re supposed to memorize… and don’t get me started on taxes, fees, penalties, and extra charges they can’t stop increasing.
Please tell us about Fronk’s Restaurant.
We are known for bringing back good American food. Burgers, Barbecue, local Craft Beer, and Cocktails. What sets us apart is our attention to detail. We give our side dishes just as much quality control and thought as our highest end main dish. Our service is unmatched as our customers can feel the love and admiration our staff has for both them and our business.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Exploring the over 8 acres of back woods behind our house that was full of dozens of fruits that my great grandfather planted decades ago like 5 different apple trees, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, mulberries, grapes, pears, and so much more. As a kid you’d never have to go hungry as you played for hours.
Contact Info:
- Address: 16922 Bellflower Blvd
Bellflower CA 90706 - Website: www.Fronk’s.com
- Phone: 562-804-2222
- Email: info@fronks.com
- Instagram: @eatatfronks
- Facebook: Facebook.com/eatatfronks
- Twitter: @eatatfronks
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fronks-bellflower-3
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
