Show 35, July 13, 2013: Restaurant Impresario Bill Chait

Bill ChaitIf you’re Southern California-based and not familiar with Bill Chait’s name you certainly know the high profile restaurants with prominent chefs in the kitchen he’s behind. In the last few years these include Rivera and Bestia in Downtown L.A., and Sotto, Picca, Short Order and Short Cake (in the Original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax) with more standout ventures on the way.

Bill started in the mid-80’s with the purchase of the original Louise’s in Brentwood. Bill (with partners) upscaled and branched it into a casual Italian trattoria, multiple-unit operation. He generously credits his later association with the late Mauro Vincenti (Rex) as his platform to his current success. Before the purchase of Louise’s his only experience in the business was as a nighttime pizza delivery guy for Jacopo’s in Beverly Hills.

Bill Chait’s business philosophy is best summed up by a quote he gave to the Los Angeles Times in a prior interview. “The concept of being in business is that you learn much more from your failures than your successes. People have said that, but I’ve lived it.