Jason Friedman is the bar manager at The Blind Pig in Yorba Linda. “We are a pre-Prohibition Era-inspired craft cocktail bar and restaurant focused on using fresh, uncommon ingredients and modern techniques in classic, inspired formats.” Learn about Jason Friedman…
Hometown: Originally from Boston but have been based in Orange County for almost 20 years. I’m currently lucky enough to live near the coast in Huntington Beach.
First job: My first foray into restaurant work was as a guy in a cow suit at an ice cream shop called Maggie Moo’s when I was 15. I’ve been working in restaurants around Orange County since 2015 anywhere from Crystal Cove to Long Beach.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in CA: Most of my free time is spent with my wife and 18-month-old daughter. We love taking advantage of Orange County’s ever-expanding culinary options.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Although I will always be most proud of my beautiful daughter, it’s been a very unique experience to introduce our style of classic cocktails to an area that was previously without any reference. It’s been so rewarding to bring such a classic American tradition to a new area and the community has been so receptive!
The biggest obstacle you overcame: While I am passionate about both my family life and my position at The Blind Pig, it’s been an ongoing learning experience of how to balance my family and work. We are still adjusting every day but finding time for both of my passions has been worth it.
Someone who inspires you and why: Our owner, Tony, has been a great inspiration of mine. His dedication to a quality experience for our guests and empowering staff has been a great learning experience for me. He is always open to having hard conversations and prioritizes a high-quality environment while still taking care of his staff.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Seek out people you respect and pay attention to what they tell you. Being open and receptive to the advice of people who have been there is key. Nothing worth working toward happens overnight so always keep with it.
Favorite quote: “Life is simple, just not easy.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I have failed 10 times more than I’ve succeeded.
What makes someone fabulous: Anyone who moves with confidence and humility to accomplish their goals or innovate new ways of doing things would definitely be living fabulously. I always strive to surround myself with as many people who believe this as possible.