Kiyo shares his journey from a teenage dishwasher to the founder of Izakaya Juraku in the Lower East Side, Manhattan. He reveals how his initial motivation was financial, but he developed a genuine passion for the restaurant industry over time. Kiyo discusses his experiences, from working in Japan to high-profile U.S. restaurants, and how he integrated Izakaya Juraku into the vibrant LES community. He emphasizes how he took to build local connections, such as engaging with residents and adapting to neighborhood dynamics, while focusing on what he doesn’t hate about his work. This episode provides actionable insights into creating a community-centered restaurant that thrives in a competitive environment.