Hosts Julie Slater & Jason Friday chat with the founder of the most amazing Hot Chicken Sandwich - Chef Johnny Ray Zone from Howlin' Rays - Los Angeles. Starting out as a dishwasher/prep cook at Figaro, Chef JZ has been a cooking professional for 16 years. Howlin’ Ray’s was his first self-funded restaurant venture. Teaming up with his wife, Amanda Chapman, a few loyal cooks, and $80,000 in debt; Howlin Ray’s was born.

They chat about how Johnny got his start in other restaurants...how a traumatic family experience changed the direction of his life...how Johnny feels the grueling restaurant world pushes you mentally and physically and shapes you for life...how Johnny's wife handles the marketing, branding, and creative...a deep dive into the heat of peppers and chilis which leads to an even deeper dive into E.D. (oh, you'll wanna hear that one)...how everyone has a Howlin' story...how Johnny keeps the vibe of the restaurant workers and guests so high....and what's next for the restauranteur. Find Howlin' on instagram @howlinrays and Johnny @johnnyrayzone. 

Follow @cuzihavetopodcast on Instagram for all the latest news.  We'd love to hear from you - email us at [email protected].  Find other episodes or leave us a voice message for the show on the anchor website. Thanks for tuning in! Keep on living those dreams, friends, CUZ YOU HAVE TO!! - jULIE AND jASON