Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Amaro.
Jesse, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I moved back from Colorado spring Co in 2018 of April. I was the chef at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado. I had moved back because of my horrible divorce. At my resort we had a lot of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free customer that came in with banquets (45,000sqt of banquet space). I notice my cooks would change all the recipe for the gluten-free and vegetarian options.
The vegan customer never got the same attention and were paying the same price. I would ask them why are the vegans getting this meal why aren’t we not holding this plate to the same standard.
All my cooks from all departments all said for what? Their vegan don’t they just eat lettuce?
Being a leader, I personally started making and plating all the vegan dishes. Being a chef, I didn’t use mock meats. All my plates where vegetables and grain. I would personally walk out the dish and present the dish to the customer. Everyone at the table would be speechless on how beautiful the plates look.
I started watching documentary about the impact our food has on the world. My pastry chef was very eager to start doing vegan baking also. A lot of the menus break stations banquet menus I change to have a lot of vegan options and vegan food present at all times. Natural I started eating more plant base. I was more vegetarian.
When I got back to California, I knew I was going to start a pizzeria. I went to the book store and got a tone of books on how to start a small business and how to operate a pizzeria. In Colorado, I started making homemade tortillas and started selling them walking around downtown Colorado spring to Practice selling my sell to customers. Hearing NO (rejection) something you have to get used to. No one knew I was a chef at the resort they just seen some guy selling tortillas.
Fast forward to May, I started my first farmer’s makers in Crestline California and Terra Vista farmers market in Rancho Cucamonga. My first day I went by my self, 5-9pm. My first day I had move my tent twice after I was set my tent fellow away and broke a leg. I ran got put back in place and used tape to put it back together. When the event opened at 5pm. I already had a line, no cashier and no idea what I had in store. Before starting my farmers market weeks before I would practice setting up my tent by my self and loading my truck and time my self. Haha still wasn’t ready.
I got so busy the right off the back. I almost want to tell everyone you can pay me what you want just put in the jar. An Angel stop by and said. It looks like you need help. I’m going to be your cashier and my husband is going to work your oven. This couple helped me all night long and I also sold out with 45 pizza for my first day. The market closed at 9pm. I packed went home reprep everything got to sleep around 2am.
My Saturday market starts at 9am the next day and I have a tent with a broken leg from the day before. I got at 5am. Got everything ready went home depot got a part temporarily fix my tent. That day I had a cashier. I really want to call off. I so glad I didn’t. Ever since that day, my life has changed for the better.
I started off not vegan. The meat option I had was pepperoni. Every else was vegetable. I was doing very well. By the next week, I was already selling 60+ at both my markets. A vendor came about three weeks after I started Terra vista. Just Vegana where the new vendors. My pizzeria wasn’t vegan but I was still eating plant based. I’m a chef I feed everyone, I also carried gluten-free options too. Jay from just vegana came to my booth and ask you have vegan pizza? After a few weeks, he asks why don’t you go vegan. I told him I’m a chef I feed everyone. I loved that they where there now I had a vendor I can eat from. Also in Creastline my Friday market I had protestor Robin that lived in that neighborhood. She came to my booth when I introduced my Alfredo and spicy Italian crumble and pumpkin seed pesto avocado pizza. She absolutely loved it and we need you haha. She would always ask “why sent you not vegan, why is this company not full vegan”. Then she said watch Earthlings. This will show you why it’s not a diet.
Wow, it really blows my mind. I sat there and cried. Made a decision right there, I’m vegan, my company is 100% vegan when my kids are with me there vegan and changed everything that day.
I’m so blessed to have these beautiful souls come into my life.
I might be a baby vegan but I’m 100% vegan down to my sugar, to the clothes I wear, to the products in my house.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve been cooking since I was a boy. I opened my first hotel at 23 years old, I’m single father of two. I run Love Amaro Pizzeria by my self including my Instagram and videos.
This by far this is the most fun job I ever had. I get to see my kids more, I get to meet awesome people all the time, I get to see outside more, I get to see more city’s. My last job I worked 10-16 hour shifts, no breaks, most weeks work seven days.
My whole life has prepared me for this moment and I’m ready to excel.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Love Amaro Pizzeria – what should we know?
Love Amaro Pizzeria is Gourmet Neapolitan pizzeria that cooks in 90sec. I specialize in making the best pizza, drink and all items that you purchase to create a moment you won’t forget. I’m also known for my speed. Customer line up to see the show. Pizza in the making each one personally made with love.
I most proud of
• Love is not part of the 124,00 Acres of forest burned down a day 91% due to factory farming.
• Love is not part of raping or suffering of living beans but of compassion.
• I’m able to give a product out to the world that will allow more people to go VEGAN.
What sets me apart
• Drive
• Integrity
• Passion
• Character
• Attention to detail
• Willingness to learn
• Best Pizzeria in the World
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Everyone!!!!! Everyone who gives me a post. Everyone that comes to my booth. Anyone who mentions Love Amaro. But huge love goes to:
– Just Vegana
– Cesar (silent March)
– Robbin (protester)
– My Kids – for riding this ride with me
You guys for even considering me for this opportunity.
Pricing:
- All pizza $13
- Special pizza $16
- Drinks $4
- Kids pizza $10
Contact Info:
- Phone: 719-310-9283
- Instagram: Loveamaropizzeria
Image Credit:
Moshi Film
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