Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Kress.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Justin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am the General Manager of Mel’s Diner in West Hollywood, CA. I was promoted three months ago and have been super busy running this 24 hour diner ever since. I actually moved to LA almost three years ago after surviving a terrible car accident in Denver, CO. I suffered a brain hemorrhage from this accident in 2012 and had to re-learn reading techniques and cognitive functions. I was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and depression. I lost vision abilities and short-term memory. I went through four years of neurological treatment where I saw a neurologist, physical therapist, cognitive rehabilitation therapist and multiple psychologists weekly.
Through my treatment, I found my humor and self-identity again and realized I need to better my life with a move to Los Angelos to pursue comedy. I got a job pretty quickly at Mel’s Diner in Sherman Oaks as a server and worked the Graveyard shifts just to survive. In less than a year they promoted me to manager. I was able to do stand-up, improv and audition on the side while working. Then a year later Mel’s promoted me to General Manager at the Sunset Blvd. location in West Hollywood and it’s been a dream to work next to the Comedy Store and bump elbows with Hollywood’s brightest stars (lots of whom are my regulars). I got a second chance and I am using it every day to spread the joy of being alive!
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not. As mentioned previously, I suffered a brain hemorrhage from a car accident and had to re-learn who I was to become the General Manager of the most famous diner in the world (Mel’s Diner in West Hollywood, CA).
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Mel’s Drive-in Diner – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Mel’s Drive-in Diner has been around since 1947. My Mel’s location in West Hollywood has been voted the most famous diner in the world. Mel’s is famous for its iconic googie style look and being the set for George Lucas’ first feature film, “American Graffiti”. There is a replica of the diner at all the Universal Studios locations. Now it is a regular eatery for some of Hollywood’s brightest stars. It’s the jukebox’s at every table, grass-fed burgers, malts/milkshakes and homemade dinner plates like Chicken Pot Pie or Meatloaf that will bring you back for more classic American nostalgia.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the comedy scene the best. Multiple shows every night and great variety. I don’t like traffic (but everyone says that) so I am going to say I like waiting for open mics the least.
Contact Info:
- Website: melsdrive-in.com
- Phone: 310-854-7200
- Instagram: @melsdrivein @justinkress
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