The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses.  Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way.  On this episode, we’re joined by Jason Hammel, Chef and Owner of Lula Cafe Guest Bio Chef and owner Jason Hammel grew up in New Haven, CT and is the product of a tight Italian family. He studied writing at Brown University and then traveled in Italy where an accidental stay in an apartment above a produce market left a lasting impact and presaged his career as a chef. Upon returning to the U.S., he received his M.A. in English and moved to Chicago where he met his wife, musician and Lula co-founder, Amalea Tshilds. They live in Logan Square with their two children, Ismene and Cass.    Hammel’s writing has appeared in Bon Appetit and Lucky Peach/MAD feed. He is currently working on a cookbook to be released by Phaidon.   Additional Resources Lula CafeMarisolPilot LightLula Cafe CookbookListen, rate, and subscribe! Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts YouTube TikTok 7shifts Blog Credits Host & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino Editor: Fina Charleston Producer: Samantha Fung Designer: Jake Sinclair