My name is Patrick Mims, Founder and CEO of Hamill's Classic Burgers.

I found my first experience with kitchens and the process at the 2nd street saloon as a 19 year old, Downtown Los Angeles in the late 1980’s.

The kitchen was a bustling hive of activity, filled with the sounds of clanging pots and pans, sizzling meats, and the occasional bursts from an overworked chef, Tom. The head chef, Tom, had a commanding presence and moved about the kitchen with ease. My brother Aaron, who worked as a line cook, had gotten me this job. I remembered being hired by an Irish man who bore a striking resemblance to legendary musician Jimmy Page - long hair and quick wit included. His partner, Larry, was an Italian man who had crafted the interior of the restaurant, creating a cozy yet lively atmosphere for customers.

Downtown Los Angeles

Photo courtesy of Bailey Alexander

My great-grandmother on my mother's side ran a successful chain of caregiver facilities and was known for her cooking skills. My brother has been a chef for four decades, and my father cooked in Vietnam. You could say that food preparation runs in our family's DNA. As someone who prides themselves on being a home-cooking critic, I have occasionally been kicked out of the home kitchen and industrial kitchen for my honesty. But despite it all, I simply cannot resist good food.

My first day in the industrial kitchen I knew this was definitely going to be a challenging and rewarding job.