From Dish Pit to 30 Restaurants | Phillip Frankland Lee

Phillip Frankland Lee went from washing dishes to building one of the most unique restaurant empires in the world. But it didn’t happen clean.

He was betrayed by a business partner who disappeared, leaving him with debt and lawsuits. He got hit with a $15M legal battle from private equity. His restaurants were shut down overnight during COVID.

And instead of folding, he doubled down.

In this episode, Phillip breaks down how he turned Sushi by Scratch into a full sensory “show,” why he believes great food should hit even if you’re not a foodie, and how relentless work ethic—from punk rock touring to Michelin kitchens—shaped everything he built.

This is a story about obsession, resilience, and refusing to lose—no matter how many times the game resets.

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Chapters

(00:00) Meet the Sushi Showman

(00:31) Concert vs Show Dining

(02:27) Speakeasy Vibe Origins

(05:25) Ten Seats Omakase Flow

(06:55) Sushi Obsession at 13

(11:01) Family Drive and Discipline

(14:54) From Bands to Dish Pit

(18:49) Quitting Culinary School

(21:34) Kitchen Culture and Leadership

(26:58) First Sous Chef Reality

(31:28) Michelin Standards at Hatfield's

(35:43) Chicago Three Star Leap

(37:42) Chef Ride Stories

(39:18) Chicago Kitchen Lessons

(40:49) LA Proposal Reset

(41:02) Tasting Menu Delivery

(43:10) Scratch Bar Deal

(46:18) Critics And Standards

(47:53) Coffee Shop Fallout

(49:50) Apartment Pop Up

(51:31) Beverly Hills Move

(52:51) Jonathan Gold Boost

(55:36) Health Scare Pivot

(58:05) Food Network Wins

(59:02) Top Chef Controversy

(01:06:17) Partner Betrayal

(01:10:48) New Backer Rebuild

(01:14:46) Pandemic Survival Mode

(01:17:10) Austin Pop Up Breakthrough

(01:17:34) Rogan Sells Out February

(01:19:23) Austin Popup Becomes Permanent

(01:20:23) Private Equity Deal Trap

(01:22:20) Hit With $15M Lawsuit

(01:28:03) Opening 30 Restaurants to Survive

(01:30:06) Four Acre Michelin Dream

(01:36:14) Hunting and Whole Animal Cooking

(01:46:35) Nashville Burger Launch

(01:49:43) Mindset Gratitude and Follow Through

(01:53:22) Closing Thanks and Subscribe

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