Meet Jake Moreno

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jake Moreno and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jake, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
I want my pizza to be a part of people’s cherished memories, where the taste becomes forever linked to their special moments. When I think about life’s best moments, food is almost always part of them. My goal is for my pizza to stand out as something unique and memorable, so that, years from now, when people look back on that day, they’ll remember not just the occasion but also hopefully the amazing pizza they enjoyed. If my pizza can evoke those memories by proxy, then I know I’ve created something truly special.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My art is deeply connected to my love for food and the role it plays in bringing people together. I’ve never wanted to make pizza just for the sake of selling pizza. I’m passionate about creating something unexpected—flavors that, at first glance, people might not think they’d enjoy. I love the moments when someone tries a slice with ingredients they wouldn’t normally choose, only to be surprised and love it. Those are the experiences I look forward to and the reason I do what I do. It’s what makes this work so fulfilling.

It definitely has not been easy—nothing good ever is. My brothers and I grew up with a single mom who struggled with deep-rooted depression and substance abuse. We relied on welfare, and by the time I was in seventh grade, we’d been evicted. I bounced between relatives’ homes until my older brother James managed to get an apartment during my freshman year. Even then, life was a challenge—James was still young himself, and we were figuring it out one step at a time. When I hear people who have found success say, “If I could do it, you can too,” I truly feel that. If I could come from where I did and make it here, then anyone can.

But the truth is, my story is only starting, and I’ve come to believe that struggle is what makes a story worth telling. One of my favorite quotes from Alan Watts says it best: “We thought of life by analogy with a journey, a pilgrimage, which had a serious purpose at the end… But we missed the point the whole way along. It was a musical thing and you were supposed to sing or to dance while the music was being played.” I want my story to be like that, where I don’t just rush to the end but truly savor each step, each note, and each memory made along the way.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that sometimes, you just have to jump in and swim. You can spend so much time thinking you need everything in place, but sometimes you just need to take the leap. My first job happened because I threw my name in the hat with a week’s notice, and that’s how I’ve approached things ever since.

Let me know if this captures the spirit of what you wanted to express!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
, I’d be ready to show them the heart of what makes this area special, starting with some of my favorite places to eat and hang out. For food, The Friendly would be the first stop—everything about that spot is perfect, from the vibe to the food to how small and welcoming it feels. Plus, it’s got a quirky twist where they knock a dollar off your tab if you shotgun a beer. It’s always fun, and it’s one of those places that leaves an impression.

For pizza, there’s no better place than Regents Pizzeria. They’ve got the best deep dish around, hands down. And when it comes to getting outdoors, we’d definitely hit National City Golf Course. I just started golfing recently, and honestly, I suck—but I’m obsessed. This course has a great, beginner-friendly vibe. Unlike some of the fancier places, where you might run into more pretentious players, this spot is perfect for having a relaxed and fun time.

As for nature and views, we’d make our way to Black’s Beach, not for the sand but for the cliffs where you can watch the paragliders. The view is insane, especially at sunset, and it gives you that sense of freedom and awe. Sunset Cliffs is another favorite for catching a perfect sunset, a must-see for anyone visiting. I love sharing these spots because they aren’t just scenic—they capture the spirit of the area, with its laid-back vibe, a mix of quirky places, and those stunning natural landscapes that remind you just how beautiful life can be here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
For my shoutout, I’d like to give credit to several incredible people who have shaped my journey. First, my spouse, who truly deserves this recognition. Their unwavering support, belief in me, and incredible patience have been such a grounding force in my life. My brothers also deserve a huge shoutout. Growing up under the guardianship of my brother James, and sharing such a unique bond with Justin—who is, in many ways, the complete opposite of James—we’ve developed something special. Coming from a broken home, we leaned on each other to get through tough times. Despite the odds, we have grown into the people we are, and our family is often amazed at how close we’ve remained. Our aunts and uncles frequently express their gratitude that we came out as strong as we did, given our crazy upbringing.

I also want to recognize my Aunt Liz, who holds a unique place in my life and heart. She wears many hats in our relationship—she’s like a friend, a cousin, an aunt, and, most importantly, the closest thing I have to a mom. She’s been an incredible source of inspiration, having worked tirelessly to create a better life for herself. Through her hard work and determination, she achieved her dreams and is now a successful business owner. Her journey reminds me of what’s possible and motivates me to keep pushing forward.

And, of course, my daughter. As any parent might understand, she’s my biggest motivation. She pushes me to be a better person every day, and there’s nothing quite like the drive that comes from wanting to set the best example for her. These people are my foundation, my motivation, and my inspiration.

Instagram: roseandsolpizza