Zak Fishman
Co-Owner of Prime Pizza
(213) 256-0011
141 S Central Avenue, Los Angeles
   
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With its red-and-white checkered table cloths, framed sports photographs, and classic Pac-Man arcade game, Prime Pizza’s second location in Little Tokyo feels like your quintessential neighborhood pizza joint. And that’s really co-owner Zak Fishman’s goal—to create a pizzeria specifically for the Little Tokyo community. He’s had success in creating such an environment at his first Prime Pizza location on Fairfax and is on a mission to do something similar in Little Tokyo. Zak says he comes to Little Tokyo as “a guest,” as any business should when entering a new neighborhood. And he hopes to win customers over with quality ingredients, a welcoming atmostphere, and that all too familiar smell of freshly baked pizza. Meet restauranteur, Zak Fishman!
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How did you get your start in Little Tokyo?
Zak Fishman: I got my start in Little Tokyo with Prime Pizza. We've had a location for five years on Fairfax and came to Little Tokyo a year-and-a-half ago. We had been looking for a second location for a while and wanted something in a neighborhood that had great character. When we saw this space open in Little Tokyo, we immediately fell in love with it. We knew it would be a great fit.
What is your most memorable experience in
Little Tokyo?
ZF: For me it was meeting everyone from the neighborhood councils and businesses during our opening process. It was obvious from day one how much this neighborhood meant to all of them and how deeply personal their connection was to this place.
What is your favorite restaurant, business or shop in Little Tokyo?
ZF: My favorite restaurant is Hama Sushi. I've been going there for a very long time, and it was one of the reasons I was so excited about opening a Prime Pizza around the corner. They keep things simple, and that's what I love about it. My favorite shop is Anzen Hardware because I love all of the great little wooden tools that Nori, the owner, keeps. Independent hardware stores are a dying breed, unfortunately, but they are such a gift to the neighborhood because they have all the little things you don’t always realize you need. Plus, Anzen Hardware always has excellent customer service. That is something Nori does better than anyone!
What makes Little Tokyo different from other
neighborhoods?
ZF: I think that Little Tokyo has managed to protect its history and heritage better than most historic neighborhoods, and it shows in the people and shops that are still here. I saw that firsthand during our opening process, and while it was initially intimidating, I also really respected it. I feel that Prime Pizza is a guest in this neighborhood. When we first opened this location, I told all my employees exactly that—we are guests to this place and need to act accordingly. Maybe if we're lucky enough to make it to 10 or 20 years, then we can call it home!
What legacy do you want to leave in Little Tokyo and what do you hope for the future of Little Tokyo?
ZF: My hope is that Prime Pizza can become the neighborhood's go-to pizzeria. That's always our goal in every neighborhood we enter. My hope for the neighborhood is that it can continue to walk that line between allowing change, growth, and development without losing its sense of history and identity. It's a very difficult thing to do, but I think so far, Little Tokyo has managed to do it!
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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Meet Little Tokyo is brought to you by Go Little Tokyo:
a community led effort aimed at highlighting the unique
cultural programs, community events, and dining and
shopping experiences found in Little Tokyo. As one of
Los Angeles’ most vibrant cultural hubs, there is an
abundance of destinations and landmarks in and around
this historic walkable neighborhood, and Go Little Tokyo
will help you uncover them.
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