Jerry Lee | The Empty Bowl

The Day The Noodles Ran Out...Featuring Jerry Lee, Owner of The Empty Bowl

Classic Episode 224 - Originally aired May 29, 2019

Jerry Lee bet everything he had on a tiny noodle bar in Santa Barbara. On opening day, The Empty Bowl ran out of noodles at 4 p.m., even though they were supposed to stay open until nine.

That turned out to be a pretty good problem to have.

Born in Taipei and raised in his family’s restaurants, Jerry grew up washing dishes and watching his parents work seven days a week. He eventually built a career in hospitality, spanning fine dining and wine, and helped establish service standards and a world-class wine cellar at the legendary San Ysidro Ranch.

Jerry joins The Jeremiah Show to share how he built The Empty Bowl, why consistency and training were central to his success, and why restaurant owners should never ask employees to do work they aren't willing to do themselves.

There’s also an unexpected family story: after 30 years of divorce, Jerry’s parents found each other again—and remarried.

Restaurants, risk, family, and one unforgettable opening day.

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