Manage episode 511085077 series 3124279
Step into Episode 181 of On the Delo as David DeLorenzo sits down with Charles Jr. (“Chuck D”) —an East Valley native behind Aftermath, Born & Bred, and the forthcoming Rosewood in downtown Gilbert—to talk craft, community, and why he wants people dressing up for dinner again.
From first shifts at Tony Roma’s to 15 years fast-tracking at Zinc with mentor Terry, Charles breaks down the real levers: concept, lighting, music, and a female-friendly vibe that draws everyone. The two get real on safer nightlife and DUIs, scaling pains from a 1,300→3,800 sq ft buildout, and what’s next—an aggressive late-night push in Chandler.
Chapter Guide (Timestamps):
(0:15 – 1:02) Opening & Episode 181; welcome Charles.
(1:03 – 2:23) Junior & nicknames (“Chuck D” plates; Delo’s “Italian Stallion”).
(2:26 – 3:01) Origin story—5th-gen AZ; Mesa/Chandler/Gilbert roots.
(6:52 – 8:27) First jobs: Tony Roma’s → Outback lessons.
(11:41 – 13:29) Zinc years & discovering hospitality as craft.
(18:00 – 20:07) Launching Aftermath in Uptown; scaling from 1.3k→3.8k sq ft.
(22:41 – 23:48) Where to find them: Aftermath (Phoenix), Born & Bred (Scottsdale & Chandler), Rosewood → downtown Gilbert.
(25:17 – 27:05) Mature crowd, safer nights; calling out DUIs.
(39:56 – 40:24) Chandler goes late-night—food & cocktail specials.
(40:33 – 42:27) Rapid fire: read minds, water slides, gold, flip-phone experiment.
(45:06 – 45:28) Health: lift weights & bodyweight focus.
👉 If this convo gave you something, subscribe, drop your takeaway, and share the episode with a friend in hospitality who’s building for longevity—not hype.
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182 episodes