20qs

Chef Andrew Gruel
06.25.20
Meet Andrew Gruel, the founder and CEO of Huntington Beach-based Slapfish Restaurant Group. Known as a modern seafood shack serving fresh, sustainable seafood in a casual setting, Slapfish has six locations in Orange County (Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, and Brea), as well as Raw Bar by Slapfish in Huntington Beach, and Two Birds Chicken and vegetarian concept Butterleaf in Irvine. He's appeared on multiple television series, including as a judge on Food Network’s “Chopped Junior” and “Food Truck Face Off.” I wanted to check in on him to see how he's managing the pandemic and find out what's new with this local celebrity chef.
1. The restaurant industry was heavily impacted by Covid-19; how did Slapfish adapt during the shutdown?
We immediately pivoted and focused on our take-out packaging and products. We put a ton of R&D into making our food more delivery worthy. We have set up protocols and procedures to make sure our employees are distancing as much as possible within the kitchen.
2. Now that OC restaurants are reopening, what does dining look like moving forward?
I have a feeling the storm isn’t even close to over. Restaurants should still focus on delivery and take-out. Hopefully, alcohol to-go remains the norm.
3. Slapfish is one of Orange County’s most popular casual seafood eateries. How does your concept differ from similar restaurants?
We offer the quality of fine dining in a quick-service setting. We are always trying to walk the line between high-quality but approachable.
4. It’s hard to believe Slapfish was a food truck in 2011 and just a year later you opened a brick and mortar Slapfish in Huntington Beach, which is now just one of the multiple locations. At that time, you’ve also become a family man and father of three young children. Do you have any tips for husbands and dads on how to balance it all?
Once you become a family man, business should always take a back seat. If your family life is strong it will shine through in your business.
5. What are you most proud of with Slapfish?
I am most proud of the team members who have come through Slapfish - those that are still team members and those that have moved on. The people within are what have made this brand.
6. If you had to begin a different career, what would you do?
I would join the military in culinary arts. We traveled with the US Army last summer teaching young cooks how to be stronger in the kitchen. Our soldiers need to eat better.
7. What’s your most prized possession?
Any old photos I have of my parents.
8. What can’t you live without?
Coffee. I drink 6 to 10 cups per day, which can take the form of McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, La Colombe, and any cold brew. What I don’t drink is Starbucks.
9. What’s next on your “to-do” list?
Learn a martial art with my kids.
10. Cause that you’re most interested/involved in?
Illumination Foundation and Bracken’s Kitchen - in general, helping these great causes feed those who are hungry or have food insecurity.
11. Your dream day in Orange County?
Fishing in the morning, an afternoon Angel’s game, and Kappo Honda for dinner.
12. Favorite place for breakfast?
McDonald's - this is what happens with three kids.
13. What was the best day of your life?
The day I got married (in Las Vegas!)
14. Last concert that you went to?
Air Supply, which was my first concert.
15. Favorite vacation spot?
Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu.
16. If you had to live somewhere else, where would you like to move?
Costa Rica.
17. Other than Slapfish, of course, what are your favorite restaurants in Orange County?
King’s Fish House, Gulfstream, Taqueria Mexico, and Paderia Bakehouse.
18. Biggest accomplishment?
Being a father.
19. What’s your biggest fear?
Not being able to protect my kids.
20. A secret most people don’t know about you?
I use ladies' deodorant. Works better and it reminds me of my wife.
Candace Rock Photography
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 07.02.25 – Bardega to Open in Laguna Hills with Bodega-Style Market and Custom Cocktails
- 07.02.25 – Fit Bodies by Amanda Marks 15th Anniversary With Pop-Up Celebration
- 07.02.25 – ABT’s ‘Giselle’ Returns to Segerstrom Center This Summer
- 06.30.25 – Puesto Debuts Protein-Packed Bowls and Summer Specials
- 06.29.25 – Celebrate the Fourth from Offshore 9’s Rooftop in Huntington Beach
- 06.27.25 – Luciana’s Ristorante in Dana Point Wins 2025 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence
- 06.24.25 – Luxury Designer Pop-Up in Tustin: Up to 90% Off Now Through June 29
- 06.24.25 – Where to Celebrate the Fourth of July in Orange County
- 06.23.25 – New Chapter for Sushi Ii: Acclaimed Chefs Join MICHELIN-Recognized Kitchen
- 06.18.25 – Tender Greens Unveils Seasonal Summer Menu Inspired by Local Harvests
- 06.17.25 – Strickland’s Ice Cream Marks One Year in Costa Mesa
- 06.15.25 – Catalina Museum for Art & History Presents Work by Sonia Romero
- 06.14.25 – RJB Restaurant Group Expands Parlor and Olea Footprints
- 06.14.25 – Jan’s Health Bar Expands to San Diego, Introduces New Smoothies and Summer Menu Favorites
- 06.11.25 – Taste of Japan Brings Food, Culture and Entertainment to Anaheim GardenWalk
- 06.09.25 – Topside Roof Deck Launches Sunday Brunch Club
- 06.09.25 – Ninth Annual Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival to Celebrate Stories of the Sea
- 06.09.25 – Anaheim Hills Festival to Host Bubble Poppin’ Fun Event June 14
- 06.08.25 – Father’s Day Weekend at The Ranch: Steak, Lobster, Bourbon
- 06.03.25 – VEA Newport Beach Partners with Orlebar Brown for Stylish June Pop-Up
More Daily Doses
- 06.30.25 – Sip Into Summer at The District Tustin’s Cocktail Tour
- 06.25.25 – Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in Orange County
- 06.22.25 – Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach Unveils Property-wide Transformation
- 06.17.25 – RELISH Food, Wine and Spirits Experience Debuts in Newport Beach June 27-29
- 06.15.25 – Sweetgreen Welcomes 5th O.C. Restaurant To Laguna Niguel
- 06.15.25 – Casa de Onda Brings Modern Mexican Fusion and Coastal Cool to Triangle Square
- 06.10.25 – Step inside California Kinship at Langson IMCA
- 06.09.25 – E-Commerce Favorite Dressin Launches First OC Store
- 06.03.25 – Hilbert Museum and Pageant of the Masters Partner for 2025 Celebration of California Art
- 06.02.25 – Anaheim’s World Taste Serves Up Culture and Cuisine
- 06.02.25 – Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO in Laguna Hills – Free Kids Tickets This Week
- 05.26.25 – Chef Jason Yamaguchi to Debut Konpa Nikkei in Corona del Mar This Summer
- 05.25.25 – Lido House Launches ‘La Dolce Vita’ – A Taste of Europe in Newport Beach
- 05.21.25 – A Catalina Day Trip: Ocean Views, Island History, and Memorable Stops
- 05.20.25 – Pendry Newport Beach Kicks Off Summer with New Experiences
- 05.15.25 – Cinq à Sept Opens First California Boutique at Fashion Island
- 05.14.25 – Meet Atome Bakery: Sourdough Without the Stress
- 05.14.25 – Newport Beach TV Fest Launches June 5-8, 2025
- 05.11.25 – Cozy Earth Opens Flagship Store in Corona del Mar
- 05.09.25 – Celebrate Mother’s Day at Wild Strawberry Café in Newport Beach