




Michael & Jessica Garcia
From Corporate Careers to Cheesesteak Entrepreneurs
Episode 193
Jessica and Michael Garcia are a powerhouse entrepreneurial duo. They share a story of hard work, determination, and a passion for their craft. Both raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Jessica graduated from Alhambra High School, continued her education at Pasadena City College, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Michael, a graduate of Monrovia High School, attended Citrus College before pursuing his culinary dreams at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena.
The couple met in 2000 while working at Wells Fargo Bank, where their shared ambitions and dedication brought them together. They married in 2007 and began building a life that balanced corporate careers and family. Jessica climbed the ranks to become a branch manager, while Michael transitioned to culinary school and later worked for Sysco Foods.
In 2009, they embarked on a new chapter, welcoming their first child in 2010. Over the next five years, they grew their family to include four boys, including a set of twins. Juggling the demands of corporate life and raising four children under eight, Jessica and Michael realized they needed a bold change to create the life they envisioned.
In 2018, they took a leap of faith, quitting their corporate jobs, selling their home, and investing everything into launching their business, West Coast Cheesesteaks. Their dedication and risk paid off, as the restaurant quickly gained recognition, earning accolades such as being named one of Yelp’s Top 50 Restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley twice, as well as one of Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants in Los Angeles County. The business has also been featured on prominent platforms like LA Eater, CBS Channel 2, KTLA 5, FOX 11, and ABC Channel 7.
West Coast Cheesesteaks represents more than just a business for Jessica and Michael; it is a manifestation of their passion for quality food, excellent service, and community. Their slogan, “Quality + Service = Excellence,” embodies their commitment to every aspect of their work. They view their employees as family and are passionate about mentoring them, teaching them the skills needed to run a successful business and navigate life’s challenges.
Jessica and Michael believe that the growth of their employees directly impacts the growth of their business. This philosophy, coupled with their dedication to serving their community, staff, and customers, continues to drive the success of West Coast Cheesesteaks.
Through their inspiring journey, Jessica and Michael have created a thriving business while staying true to their values, proving that with courage, hard work, and a vision, anything is possible.
Michael & Jessica Garcia Takeaways
Pursuing Passion Over Security
Michael’s decision to leave a stable banking job for culinary school highlights the importance of pursuing one’s passion. Despite the concerns of family regarding job security, Jessica supported Michael’s choice, emphasizing that it was better to explore his dreams while he was young and unencumbered by responsibilities. This illustrates a significant life lesson: following one’s passion can lead to fulfillment, even in the face of uncertainty. Their story serves as inspiration for others who might hesitate to chase their dreams due to fear of financial instability.
Community-Centric Business Model
Jessica and Michael have transformed their restaurant into a hub of community gathering, focusing not just on serving food, but on building connections. They prioritize mentoring their staff and fostering a family-like atmosphere, which has contributed to their success. Their commitment to supporting local high school students and hiring from within the community emphasizes the importance of giving back and nurturing local talent. This approach has not only strengthened their business but has also ingrained them deeply into the fabric of the San Gabriel Valley community.
Resilience Through Adversity
The couple’s journey through the challenges of opening a restaurant, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcases their resilience. They faced significant financial risks, selling their home and investing everything into their dream. The struggle of low sales during the pandemic could have deterred them, but instead, they adapted and continued to push forward. Their ability to maintain focus on their long-term vision, despite temporary setbacks, underscores the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship.
The Role of Family in Business
Family plays a crucial role in Jessica and Michael’s narrative. They not only draw strength from their immediate family—raising four boys together—but also from their extended family, who supported Michael during culinary school. By living in Michael’s childhood home, they prioritize family values, which translates into how they run their business. This familial support system enriches their work-life balance and reinforces their commitment to creating a nurturing environment for both their family and employees.
Emphasizing Personal Growth and Education
Michael’s reflections on his education reveal a desire for continuous personal growth. He acknowledges missed opportunities to engage more during his school years but has since embraced learning as an adult, particularly in areas like communication and leadership. This commitment to self-improvement is not only vital for his personal success but also sets an example for his children and employees. It highlights that learning doesn’t stop after formal education and that there is always room for growth, no matter one’s age.
Building a Unique Culinary Identity
The couple’s decision to specialize in cheesesteaks, with a unique West Coast twist, demonstrates their creative approach to culinary entrepreneurship. By inventing their own cheese sauces and incorporating Mexican influences, they have carved out a niche that sets them apart from traditional cheesesteak shops. This willingness to innovate while honoring culinary traditions illustrates the dynamic nature of the food industry and the potential for creativity in a competitive market.
The Importance of Customer Connection
Finally, Jessica and Michael emphasize the value of connecting with their customers, not just through food but by sharing their stories and experiences. They believe that building a rapport with patrons enhances the dining experience and fosters loyalty. Their commitment to engaging with the community and showcasing their employees on social media reflects a deeper understanding of modern business practices where authentic relationships can drive success. This approach not only enhances their brand but also reinforces their commitment to community engagement.
Michael & Jessica Garcia Quotes
**On Passion vs. Security**:
“It’s better to do it now than to do it when he’s later down the line married with kids. This is a great opportunity for my mother-in-law because he has nothing… this is his time to self-explore.”
**On Community and Diversity**:
“We believe our diversity is what makes the SGV great, and no matter where you are from in the San Gabriel Valley, you will feel welcome.”
**On Personal Growth**:
“What I needed to learn was that I need to continue to learn and continue to grow with her on this journey.”
**On Family Values**:
“I think it’s not so much that my parents maybe financially couldn’t, but I don’t think they knew kind of that knowledge of, you know, do better, experience more things.”
**On Overcoming Fear**:
“Things happen for a reason. It’s not for everybody, you know, and I am grateful for my in-laws and the one thing I always look at every day.”
**On Resilience**:
“You know, it’s tough because you put in everything, you just put those chips all in… but you think about your kids, you’re like, okay, what do we do? Did we do the right thing? But I know we did the right thing.”
**On Mentorship**:
“I always say nobody’s going to do it for you. You have to keep on knocking on those doors.”
**On Leadership**:
“I want them to feel welcomed. And the reason why is because then our customers could feel it.”
**On Family Experiences**:
“It’s really about conversation. We always get people that will come up to us and say, ‘Oh my God, your kids are not on any device.’”
**On Life Lessons**:
“You can take the water to the horse, but you can’t make the horse drink it.”
Show Notes
___________________
Music Credits
Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library
Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Michael & Jessica Garcia
Immaculate Conception Academy Fiestas
Jessica reminisced about her time at this Catholic elementary school where she attended from first to eighth grade. The school’s annual fiesta, a carnival-like celebration, was a highlight of her childhood. It fostered a strong sense of community, with parents actively involved in organizing booths and activities. Jessica fondly recalled the joy and excitement of these events, which created lasting memories and friendships that continue to be important to her.
Pasadena City College
Jessica described her experience at PCC as transformative. Attending classes full-time and spending long days there, she developed a strong connection to the campus and her classmates. The camaraderie and shared experiences during her time at PCC left a lasting impression, and she appreciated the community atmosphere. She specifically mentioned the fondness for the campus’s outdoor areas, like the Quad, where students would gather, and how much it meant to her to be part of that environment.
The Derby
This fine dining establishment is a special place for Jessica and her husband, Michael. They began visiting the Derby while dating and continued to celebrate significant milestones there, including anniversaries and birthdays. The restaurant has become a family tradition, and they now take their four boys there to create new memories. The familiarity with the staff and the restaurant’s ambiance has made it an integral part of their family life, symbolizing growth from their younger years to their current family dynamics.