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Liftoff Journeys with Jeanniey Walden

Liftoff Journeys with Jeanniey Walden

James Mazzuto Was Six Months Away From Law School Until Working At A Restaurant Made Him Completely Pivot

Apr 17, 2026 · 17m

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About this episode

This conversation made me hungry AND inspired, which honestly is the best combination. James Mazzuto spent 20 years in the corporate world, earned an MBA from Tulane, lectured at universities, ran a nonprofit, launched a solar startup, and was literally about to go to LAW SCHOOL on a chancellor's scholarship at Seton Hall when something completely unexpected happened. He walked into a restaurant to kill time for six months and got hooked. Like hook, line, and sinker hooked. Now he's overseeing three restaurants across New Jersey, Allendale Social, Charlie's Place, and Saku. Alongside partner Daniel Gray and Michelin-star chef Joey Sergentakis. And the way he talks about hospitality, about…