We were lucky to catch up with Jason Peaslee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jason, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.

Family business is amazing. The pride we take in ours is what it is all about. From the immediate family members to the staff and even our vendors, we are all a family. My children have seen how hard work pays off. My wife and mother are proud. Each staff member takes ownership in a small business. When you have that, you are successful.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

With two restaurants, I feel that I have become a veteran of the industry. I have done every aspect of the business and still do. I have worked everything from breakfast to fine dining to catering. The Cottage has become well respected and shows what a successful restaurant can be, but we still strive to be better.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I stay true to who I am. I am not different in personal life and professional. It is easier that way. I work hard and don’t cut corners. I care about the people I interact with, whether it is a guest or staff member or sales person. I am also very loyal.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Remember that the problems we face, though they are important to us, are not as big as “real” problems people face. There are people that do not have drinking water!!!! Stay positve…

Contact Info:

• Website: cottagelajolla.com, cottageencinitas.com
• Instagram: thecottagelajolla, thecottageencinitas
• Yelp: Cottage La Jolla, Cottage Encinitas