American hustle

JEFFREY GOODMAN, American Gonzo Restaurants

WORK • Thursday Routine

JEFFREY GOODMAN • CEO and partner • American Gonzo Restaurants
Neighborhood you live in: Venice

It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace? 
Since we’re now again open at 7a in Venice, I’ll typically take a first meeting over coffee at our restaurant Superba Food + Bread with one of the different leaders in our company. After that, I’ll walk back over to our HQ, where it’s usually a little quiet, because Thursdays are a hybrid office day.

What’s on the agenda for today?
I’ll spend most of the mid-morning and early afternoon working on restaurant development. Right now, our focus is on getting American Beauty at The Grove fully constructed, and kicking off operations for Superba Food + Bread Calabasas. Later in the evening, I transition to tastings with the team. Superba is currently working on eight or nine new dishes with the changing of the seasons into fall, revolving around squashes, cabbages, and all the great things at the market right now.

Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
This weekend I’m up in Ojai, hanging out with some friends. We have Friday dinner reservations at The Dutchess, and then we’ll hit Three Birds for coffee Saturday or Sunday and probably squeeze in a second dinner at Rory’s.

How about a little leisure or culture? 
This time of year, Sundays are mostly dedicated to watching football. I’d love to actually get to a Rams game, but so far don’t have any tickets in my hand. As far as live music, the plan is birthday tickets for LCD Soundsystem this month.

Any weekend getaways? 
Most weekend getaways are to places where I have restaurants, like San Diego or Newport Beach. But I try to get out to hike with my wife Hope and spend time on the beach, and time with the dog, always collecting new restaurant experiences along the way.

What was your last great vacation?
Thanksgiving last year in New York City with my parents and sister. I grew up in New Jersey, and my family all now lives in New York. I got to visit my hometown, have a Thanksgiving feast with the family, and was also lucky to sneak in a few great dining spots in NYC.

What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love? 
The Sonos wireless turntable. I have a collection of close to 400 vinyls between my houses in Venice and Ojai.

What store or service do you always recommend?
Flowerboy Project on Lincoln for bouquets. I celebrate people with flowers regularly, and it’s hard to find a florist that isn’t corporate and doesn’t do the obvious thing. For the nine years I’ve lived in Venice, they’ve been my go-to for quirky, edgy floral design. Also, Sonoratown for chivichangas if anyone’s craving Mexican food.