The Real Secret Behind New Jersey’s Best Cheesesteaks (Hint: It's Not Just the Food)
Welcome to Episode 37 of the I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman Podcast, hosted by Luis Guzman.In this raw and inspiring episode, we sit down with Christo, the owner and creator of Christo’s Wake & Steak in Bloomfield, New Jersey. He’s known for making what many call the best cheesesteaks in the state—but his story runs way deeper than just killer sandwiches.Christo’s path is built on passion, grit, and old-school values. He started working in a pizzeria at thirteen, learned the game the hard way, and saved every penny for years. From working alongside his brother to running a nonprofit clinic, to finally firing up the grill at Wake & Steak, Christo’s journey is all heart and hustle.This episode digs into what makes Wake & Steak different—tight hours, a small menu, and insane attention to detail. It’s a full-on rebellion against fast-food shortcuts, built on pride and precision. Christo’s not trying to be everything to everyone—he’s just trying to do things right.We talk about launching a small business without big money or marketing teams, the nerves of opening day, and how social media unexpectedly helped Wake & Steak explode. Christo shares his philosophy on treating every customer like family, the power of quality over quantity, and why showing up with consistency is everything.Luis and Christo also chop it up about what it means to be an artist in the business world. For Christo, his food is his art—and not everyone’s going to get it. That’s fine by him. He doesn’t do pizza steaks. He won’t cut corners to please a crowd. His story is a reminder that real success comes from staying true to your vision, even when it’s scary.We also get into the grind: working multiple jobs, saving with intention, pushing through setbacks (including the pandemic), and never quitting—even when it felt like no one was watching. Christo drops his “tree analogy” for growth—how you grow as tall as you're meant to grow, and you weather every storm that comes your way. It’s gold.If you’re a food entrepreneur, creative, or just someone stuck at the starting line of your dream, this episode is a wake-up call. It’s a gut-level look at the risks, sacrifices, and joy that come from betting on yourself. It’s also a celebration of what happens when you pick passion over popularity and integrity over shortcuts.Christo’s Wake & Steak is at 1290 Broad Street in Bloomfield, NJ. They’re open 7AM to 3PM—or until they sell out (which they often do). The menu is simple but deadly: the OG cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz, the “new school” with Cooper Sharp, and the North Shore beef that disappears almost instantly. Everything’s made fresh, by hand, and with serious care.If you’ve ever doubted food can be art, Christo’s about to prove you wrong. And if you’ve ever questioned whether your dream is worth the risk—this one’s for you.Make sure to subscribe to the I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman Podcast for more real talk with artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are building lives they believe in—without selling out. New episodes every week on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.If this episode fired you up, leave a comment, share it with someone who needs the boost, and hit that subscribe button.Follow Christo’s Wake & Steak on Instagram for food shots, behind-the-scenes chaos, and sell-out alerts. Pro tip: show up early.Because yeah—passion, hustle, and a little bit of crazy still make the best stories.
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