Fi$H Factor With Mike Ungaro

Welcome to Fi$H Factor, where multi-generational grit meets real-world strategy.

In this episode, Mike Ungaro sits down with Matt Wampler, co-founder and CEO of ClearCOGS and host of the Restaurant AI podcast, to talk about how AI and predictive analytics are changing restaurant operations.

From forecasting prep and labor to reducing waste and improving profitability, Matt shares how restaurants can use data to stop reacting and start planning ahead. Mike also connects the conversation back to the real-world challenges of running San Pedro Fish Market, where preparation, forecasting, and guest demand can make or break the day.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- How predictive analytics helps restaurants make smarter operational decisions

- Why AI should support operators, not replace human judgment

- How better forecasting can improve food quality, labor, and profitability

- Why restaurant operators need to start paying attention to AI now

Episode Links

- Matt Wampler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjwampler/

- Clear COGS: https://www.clearcogs.com/

- The Restaurant AI Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/restaurant-ai/id1818590384

Welcome back to Fi$H Factor, where multi-generational grit meets real-world strategy. In this episode, Mike Ungaro shares the vision behind Kings Of Fi$H and breaks down how restaurants, media, products, merchandise, and storytelling all work together to build a modern hospitality enterprise.



Inspired by a business mind map created by Walt Disney, Mike explains how San Pedro Fish Market, Kings Of Fi$H Media, the Fi$H Factor podcast, nationwide shipping, branded products, and future locations all connect back to one mission: celebrating food, family, and community.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- Why modern restaurant brands must think beyond four walls

- How storytelling and media help drive loyalty and awareness

- Why products and merchandise extend brand reach

- The importance of building an ecosystem, not just a business

- How a larger vision creates opportunities for partnerships and growth

Welcome back to Fi$H Factor, where multi-generational grit meets real-world strategy. In this episode, Mike Ungaro sits down with Scott Choppin, Founder and CEO of Urban Pacific Group, to break down what it really takes to develop projects, solve complex problems, and build in industries where timelines are long and stakes are high.

From growing up in a real estate family to leading innovative workforce housing developments, Scott shares how his approach to strategy and execution has shaped his career. The conversation dives into the realities of development, navigating bureaucracy, aligning stakeholders, and why most projects succeed or fail long before construction even begins.

Scott also explores how AI is beginning to transform the development industry, why most operators are behind, and how those who adopt it early will gain a massive competitive advantage. From autonomous agents to real-world applications, this episode highlights the intersection of technology, leadership, and long-term thinking.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- Why great strategy and great execution must work together to succeed

- How real estate development is ultimately a business of constant problem solving

- The concept of “product-market fit” and how it applies to building projects

- Why workforce housing is an overlooked opportunity in today’s market

- How AI will reshape operations, decision-making, and competitive advantage

- The importance of controlling your narrative when explaining innovative ideas

Learn more about Scott Choppin

- Website: https://www.urbanpacific.com

- Follow Scott on X: https://x.com/scottchoppin

Subscribe, leave a review, and follow @KingsOfFish and @SanPedroFish for more real stories on building business, leadership, and legacy.

Welcome to Fi$H Factor, where multi-generational grit meets real-world strategy. In this episode, Mike Ungaro breaks down the 12-part framework that has guided his growth as an operator, leader, and entrepreneur for over two decades. Simplified into a “sketch map” by Eric McDermott, this system outlines how to design your life, build your business, and increase your income in a rapidly changing world.

From defining ambition and aligning philosophies to building networks and creating value, Mike shares how this framework has helped drive consistent growth, navigate uncertainty, and build long-term success at San Pedro Fish Market.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- How defining your ambition shapes your decisions and direction

- Why building a strong network is key to scaling and gaining freedom

- How strategy, offers, and storytelling drive revenue

- How to reverse engineer problems using a proven system

Learn more about Eric McDermott

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emcdermott/

- Find Eric McDermott’s books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BWYVVLN5

- Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nextpectations

Explore the full AJI program and resources: https://www.aji.com

Subscribe, leave a review, and follow @KingsOfFish and @SanPedroFish for more real stories on building business, leadership, and legacy.

Welcome back to Fi$H Factor, where family legacy meets entrepreneurial grit. In this episode, Mike Ungaro sits down with Alan Ruesga-Pelayo to talk about building a brand rooted in culture, connection, and the simple act of bringing people to the table, alongside the global momentum of Teremana Tequila, founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

What started as a simple idea, guacamole, tequila, and shared moments, became Guac on the Rock, a program designed to drive traffic to restaurants while creating unforgettable guest experiences. Alan shares how the initiative grew from a one-week test into a month-long activation across multiple cities, all while staying true to its mission: supporting operators and bringing people together.

From partnering with San Pedro Fish Market to expanding into new markets, this conversation highlights how Teremana and “The Rock” have helped turn a grassroots hospitality idea into a scalable, culture-driven movement.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

- Why simple, shareable experiences like Guac on the Rock resonate with guests

- How Teremana built a program that directly supports restaurant operators

- The power of aligning a brand with culture, authenticity, and community

- How partnerships can turn a promotion into a meaningful guest experience

- Why bringing people together at the table is still the most powerful idea in hospitality

Episode Links

• Learn more about Teremana Tequila: https://teremana.com/
• Explore the Guac on the Rock program: https://teremana.com/pages/guac-on-the-rock

Subscribe now, leave a review, and follow us on social @KingsOfFish and @SanPedroFish for more behind-the-scenes stories from America’s seafood royalty.

Welcome back to Fi$H Factor, where family legacy meets entrepreneurial grit. In this episode, Mike Ungaro sits down with Alexis Parra to talk about turning a personal passion for wellness into one of the fastest-growing juice and smoothie brands in the country. What began with homemade green juice, acai bowls, and no formal business plan grew into a nationwide brand with more than 230 locations.

Alexis shares the real story behind building Nékter Juice Bar from the ground up, from early days of improvising recipes and sourcing ingredients herself to leading product innovation, franchise growth, and company culture at scale. She explains why integrity mattered more than trend-chasing, how healthy habits became the foundation of the business, and what gets harder when a neighborhood concept becomes a national operation.

From menu development and consumer trends to franchising lessons and leadership growing pains, this conversation is packed with insight for anyone building a brand that wants to last.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

- How Nékter Juice Bar grew from one location to more than 230 stores

- Why purpose and integrity matter more than chasing trends

- What it takes to scale recipes, systems, and training across a franchise network

- How consumer demand for health and wellness continues to evolve

Why hospitality, empathy, and culture still matter as companies grow

The biggest lessons Alexis learned building a modern food brand

Learn more about Nékter Juice Bar: https://www.nekterjuicebar.com/

Subscribe now, leave a review, and follow us on social @KingsOfFish and @SanPedroFish for more behind-the-scenes stories from America’s seafood royalty.

Welcome to Fi$H Factor, where multi-generational grit meets visionary hustle. In this episode, Mike Ungaro takes the stage at the Restaurant Franchising Innovation Summit to share the journey behind San Pedro Fish Market and how it became one of the highest grossing independent restaurants in the country, and how Kings Of Fi$H helped change the trajectory of the business.

From a 200 square foot seafood shop started by teenagers in 1956 to a 3,000 seat waterfront destination, Ungaro breaks down the moments that shaped the business. He shares how Kings Of Fi$H became a storytelling engine for the brand, how a viral video brought 30,000 customers in 10 days, and why content became the key to survival during eviction, relocation, and reinvention.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

-How San Pedro Fish Market grew into a top revenue generating restaurant in the United States

-Why storytelling and social media turned the business into a destination, not just a restaurant

-How to build a loyal customer base that will travel hours for an experience

-What it takes to operate a multimillion dollar restaurant out of a temporary location

-How partnerships, content, and community fuel long term growth

-Why becoming irreplaceable is the ultimate strategy for protecting your business

Whether you are scaling a restaurant, building a brand, or navigating uncertainty, this episode offers a real look at what it takes to grow, adapt, and stay relevant over time.

Subscribe now, leave a review, and follow us on social @KingsOfFish and @SanPedroFish for more behind the scenes stories from America’s seafood royalty.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts

Welcome back to Fi$H Factor, where family legacy meets entrepreneurial grit. In this episode, Mike Ungaro sits down with Jeyre Lewis, Area Manager at PCL Construction, one of North America’s largest builders delivering over $10 billion in projects annually. From iconic destinations like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World to major renovations at Dodger Stadium and first-of-their-kind hospitality concepts, Jeyre shares what it takes to bring complex visions to life.

But beyond the scale of the projects, this conversation is about people, persistence, and possibility. Jeyre opens up about his journey from a lower-income neighborhood in Miami to leading some of the most high-profile builds in the country, the importance of mentorship in today’s workforce, and why there is always a path forward even when a project feels impossible.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

- How Jeyre went from building with Legos and working with his dad to leading billion-dollar construction projects

- What it takes to deliver complex builds like stadiums, theme parks, and high-volume restaurants on time and on budget

- Why restaurants present unique construction challenges, from health department requirements to ever-changing kitchen layouts

- How strong teams, leadership, and mindset help overcome major obstacles like weather delays and tight deadlines

- Why mentorship and exposing the next generation to the trades is critical for the future workforce

Whether you’re building a restaurant, scaling a business, or leading a team through uncertainty, this episode offers real-world insights on turning vision into reality.

Subscribe now, leave a review, and follow us on social @KingsOfFish and @SanPedroFish for more stories from builders, operators, and entrepreneurs shaping the future.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts

Welcome back to Fi$H Factor, where family legacy meets entrepreneurial grit. In this episode, Mike Ungaro takes listeners behind the wall of photos in his office, sharing the personal stories and business lessons behind the images that shaped San Pedro Fish Market.

From childhood creativity inspired by comic books to lessons drawn from Walt Disney’s early business strategy, each picture tells a piece of the family’s journey. Ungaro also reflects on the early days of the fish market, the challenges of relocation, and the moment the original San Pedro Fish Market building was demolished after decades of memories.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

- Why storytelling and creativity play a key role in building a modern restaurant and media brand

- What Walt Disney’s early business model can teach entrepreneurs about building an enterprise

- The emotional impact of seeing the original San Pedro Fish Market building demolished

- How family history, mentors, and inspiration shape the vision behind the next chapter of the business

- Whether you’re building a family business, documenting your company’s story, or looking for inspiration from those who came before you, this episode offers a personal look at the moments that shape an entrepreneur’s journey.

Subscribe now, leave a review, and follow us on social @KingsOfFish and @SanPedroFish for more behind-the-scenes stories from America’s seafood royalty.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts

Welcome to Fi$H Factor, where multi-generational grit meets visionary hustle. In this episode, Michael Ungaro sits down with Chef Joe Gatto, a Boston-based chef, filmmaker, culinary instructor, and the host of From Scratch. Joe has built a career that blends storytelling, hospitality, and craftsmanship by taking cooking to the extreme, making ingredients, tools, and entire meals completely from the ground up.

Joe shares the unlikely journey from directing horror films and working in production to teaching cooking classes, becoming a private chef for professional athletes, and eventually producing his own television series. Along the way, he explains how food and film are more connected than people realize, both rooted in storytelling, creativity, and creating experiences that bring people together.

In this episode, you will learn about:

- Why Joe believes filmmaking and cooking are fundamentally the same form of storytelling

- How a simple chicken piccata cooking class unexpectedly launched his culinary career

- The path that led him to become a private chef for professional athletes and high-profile clients

-How he created and produced his show From Scratch by combining food, film, and adventure

- Why failure, rejection, and persistence are essential ingredients for building a creative career

Find Chef Joe Gatto Online

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjoegatto

- Website: https://www.chefjoegatto.com