Only days ago, I was dining at The Catch in Anaheim again. And, it had nothing to do with this article or my choice of Joe Manzella—proprietor and founder of the restaurant—as Restaurateur of the Year for 2011.
It’s because the food is so good, the decor so comfortable and attractive, that it is one of those places that always calls my name. The Catch and Manzella’s two other Taps restaurants satisfy on many levels, making them favorite go-to places.
I’ve watched this hospitable young man grow into an astute and customer-oriented restaurateur for a dozen years. I’ve marveled at his ability to sense the public’s need for restaurants that marry superb value-driven food in interesting settings, with constant good and friendly service woven throughout.
Three Restaurants
Manzella is one of Orange County’s most successful independent restaurateurs. With three restaurants—Taps Fish House & Brewery in Brea, a second Taps in Corona and The Catch in Anaheim—he commands a mini empire of close to 400 employees and $20 million in annual sales.
It wasn’t always that way.
Raised in Palos Verdes, a star soccer player through high school and college at Arizona State, Manzella landed at Xerox Corp. after graduating. He excelled in sales.
But after seven years, a deep passion for food and hospitality prompted him to leave the corporate world after his late father agreed to back him in a restaurant venture.
Manzella’s vision was based on what he loved about certain New Orleans, Seattle and San Francisco dining spots—a big warehouse-type restaurant that would be comfortable, charming and inviting, yet upscale—and specialize in seafood and artisan quality beers. Plus he wanted to have a knock-your-socks-off Sunday brunch.
It took more than four years and almost insurmountable obstacles. In 1999, Taps debuted in downtown Brea to lines out the door.
Artisan Beers
More than anyone in the county, Manzella’s prescience in the mid-1990s that locally crafted, high-quality artisan beers would become big was right on target.
He hired East Coast-trained brewmaster Victor Novak two years before Taps opened. He gave Victor carte blanche to do whatever it took to create the best beers.
Another score for Manzella: Taps’ fine ales and lagers—brewed in the finely-balanced European tradition—have garnered more than 50 medals at international, national, state and regional levels and are in demand in many L.A., San Diego and OC gastro pubs.
Taps’ enormous success combines great food, drink, soulful New Orleans ambiance and service—all overseen by Manzella to ensure it meets his exacting standards.
The menu is based on American classics with an emphasis on sustainable seafood. Taps has the county’s biggest oyster bar with 22 seats.
Guests can choose from the white tablecloth dining room or let loose in the large comfortable bar and patio.
From fine wine and lobster to a handcrafted cream ale with a delicious burger—and the now famous Sunday jazz brunch—Taps has a wide appeal.
The Catch, near Angel Stadium of Anaheim, offers a lively bar, lounge and outdoor patio with a popular, casual lunch menu and fine dining offerings at night.
Close-Knit Team
Manzella attributes much of his success to his close-knit team.
President Chris Snyder and brewmaster Novak have been with him since 1999.
Culinary Director Tom Hope, a veteran of Roy Yamaguchi’s restaurants, is known for strong kitchen support in purchasing standards, creativity and quality.
Director of Operations Brady Sherard has been instrumental in managing Taps’ high volume operation.
For Manzella, it’s about always raising the bar.
Making his restaurants better, improving quality and paying utmost attention to the smallest details are his never-ending quests.
Getting out and seeing what people want and delivering it is his norm.
Manzella met more than his share of obstacles along the way.
Taps in Brea opened and operated without a parking lot for months, despite off-the-charts business.
Within a year of Taps opening in Corona, the Inland Empire was hit with a devastating economic downturn.
The original Catch on State College Boulevard in Anaheim was torn down (as part of the stalled Platinum Triangle development).
The Catch now is at a better location on Katella, in the shadow of Angel Stadium and across from City National Grove of Anaheim.
With every hill to climb, Manzella picked himself up, dusted off and made it happen anyway.
He is unflappable, something Manzella learned from his father, Fred Manzella, who was his biggest fan and supporter.
I find Joe Manzella inspiring in his energy level, uncompromising dedication and his absolute pleasure in seeing happy patrons. It’s not a sense of ego but a sense of just doing things right and getting the desired result for himself and his customers.
Healthy Lifestyle
Manzella and his wife Michelle live in Yorba Linda with their baby daughter Giana Elene.
Having lost both parents to cancer before he was 35, Manzella embraces a healthful lifestyle and is a supporter of a wide range of community events in Brea, Anaheim and the Inland Empire.
Top-Notch
This guy is a top-notch businessman who happens to possess a gentle spirit.
Joe Manzella continues to work hard, and from the best perspective. He is deserving as our Restaurateur of the Year.
The Catch: 2120 E. Katella Ave. (next to The Grove Theater), Anaheim, (714) 935-0101. Taps Brea: 101 E. Imperial Highway (Birch Street Promenade), Brea, (714) 257-0101. Taps Dos Lagos: 2745 Lakeshore Drive, Corona, (951) 277-5800.
