Back in August, we introduced Pasadena to Meat District Co., a new restaurant featuring “Never-Ever” or hormone, steroid, and antibiotic free beef burgers, steaks, and ribs.

Today, we’re introducing their General Manager and Pasadena native Armando Meza to see how the restaurant is doing and what role he plays in serving up burger after burger to our city.

“I initially was hired as a server leader,” starts Meza when asked about his beginnings at the restaurant.  “After working on the floor for two weeks, he [the owner of Meat District Co.] just said, ‘Yeah, you know what, you’re not going serve my floor anymore, you’re going run my restaurant.'”

The sudden promotion, Meza admits, was a little anxiety-producing.

Meza’s experience in the restaurant industry, however, should leave little doubt of his qualifications.  Having trained servers at California Pizza Kitchens across Los Angeles, it’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about running a restaurant.  And after his time at the Lexus Club at The Staples Center, he’s also had a some experience serving a higher level of clientele.

“Last year, opening Lakers game, one of my three tables was Jeanie Buss and Phil Jackson.”

“Those are the moments that happened in that clubhouse where you can see tons of actors, sport figures and not to mention just the regular guests that have memberships there that are just so generous and so amazing.”

In fact, Meza garnered quite a following.  Upon taking the position at Meat District Co., which he originally thought would be temporary but turned into full-time, he had to leave the Lexus Club.

“I had a party at 12:00 come here under a false name to watch a King’s game,” he recalls.  “Half of the party were regulars that have memberships [to the Lexus Club], the other half was my whole waiting staff who [came to] congratulate me.”

You might wonder why he’d ever leave for a new restaurant away from the glitz and glamor of downtown.

“I’m old fashioned. Give me an aged cheddar burger, cooked medium with gourmet sauce, caramelized onions, mixed greens, tomatoes, pickles and a garlic aioli.”

It turns out, the man loves meat and believes in their product.

“At the Meat District we want you to be able to taste the quality of meat.  We don’t need to disguise it with heavy sauce.  What’s better than bloody, grass-fed meat?”

Meat District Co. is a product of the Platinum Restaurant Group, an Australian based company with 14 restaurants across the East Coast of Australia. Meat District Co. is their first American venture with plans to expand further.

Head over to Meat District Co. and begin your addiction to quality, natural meat for reasonable prices and meet the man who will introduce you to a whole new dining experience.

And don’t forget to stop by Meat District Co. during Pasadena Cheeseburger Week!  Their special for the event, called the Meat Street, is one cheeseburger you won’t want to miss and they even have a special contest lined up.  Check back: we’ll have all the important details.

Meat District Co. is located at 69 North Raymond, Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 765-9902 or visit www.meatdistrictco.com.