When you think of comedy, you might imagine packed clubs, roaring laughter, and an endless stream of fun. But behind every great punchline is a grind few see—especially when you’re building a comedy production company from scratch at the Jersey Shore.
In a recent episode of the Grit Won’t Quit podcast, host Tom Mirabella sat down with Angelo Gingerelli and Joe Borzotta, co-founders of Ugly Pancake Productions, to peel back the curtain on the real work behind the laughs. Their story is a mix of creativity, hustle, community building, and relentless perseverance.
From Beach House Beginnings to Shorewide Shows
Back in 2019, Angelo, Joe, and their friend Jack Stiger put together a one-off comedy show at the Beach House in Belmar. It was meant to be a fun side project—but the packed crowd proved there was something special happening. That momentum carried them into the foundation of Ugly Pancake Productions, which officially took shape after the pandemic pause in 2021.
Joe, a seasoned artist and former Hoboken bar owner with a knack for promotion, handled the creative and visual side. Angelo, a stand-up comic and marketing pro, took charge of the bookings, marketing, and relationships. Together, they built a team that thrives on partnership, professionalism, and authenticity.
What’s in a Name? The Story Behind “Ugly Pancake”
So… what exactly is an Ugly Pancake?
Joe explained that the name came from a random moment of inspiration—a friend’s photo of a misshapen breakfast pancake. It was quirky, memorable, and different. When the team was brainstorming names, Joe tossed it out there, and it stuck. As Angelo says, “It gets us in the door. People want to know more—and that’s good marketing.”
And with a name like that, the follow-up questions are inevitable—giving the duo a chance to pitch their mission before a poster even goes up.
Grit Over Glamour: The Ugly (and Beautiful) Truth of Comedy
Angelo and Joe don’t run a comedy club—they bring the show to you. Whether it’s a bar, brewery, art gallery, or even a barbershop, they transform venues into stages, creating a plug-and-play comedy experience. But it only works when venues treat it as a partnership.
“We’re not home run hitters,” Angelo shared. “But we’ll give you those consistent singles and doubles, especially in the off-season. We make your quiet Wednesday in January worth opening for.”
Winter is a brutal season at the Shore. While summer offers sold-out crowds, the colder months are about creative problem-solving, staying lean, and staying consistent.
One constant, though, is integrity. Joe emphasized their commitment to treating comics with respect—paying them fairly, promoting them like headliners, and sending them professional photos after every show. In an industry where artists are often underpaid or overlooked, that matters.
Highlights, Headliners, and Hometown Heroes
While the foundation of Ugly Pancake is local comics from Monmouth and Ocean counties, they’ve begun integrating touring headliners like Anthony DeVito and Vishnu Vaka, giving rising local comics the chance to open for bigger names in professional venues like the Middletown Arts Center or the Berkeley Hotel.
It’s all about raising the bar—and the tide. “All boats rise,” Joe said. “If we can help someone get on their biggest stage yet, we’ve done our job.”
They also regularly support fundraisers and local nonprofits—from Little League events to women’s clubs—bringing in money, laughter, and community impact in one night. And the best part? The fundraiser model is simple. Ugly Pancake brings the comics and sound gear; the host just needs to sell the tickets and set up the chairs.
Real Talk: The Hardest Parts
It’s not all laughter. The biggest challenge?
Late ticket sales.
“People wait until the last minute,” Joe said. “We’ll be days away from a show with barely any sales, and then suddenly, we sell out the night before.”
That unpredictability is stressful for any organizer. Add in the seasonal nature of the Jersey Shore, and it becomes a delicate balancing act between planning, promoting, and praying.
There’s also the challenge of working with artists—some of whom are still learning the ropes of professionalism. While most comics are enthusiastic and supportive, some don’t even share show flyers on their own social media. Joe and Angelo are working to change that by offering a workshop that teaches not just performance but business basics and self-promotion.
What’s Next for Ugly Pancake?
Looking ahead, Ugly Pancake has big plans. Their monthly open mic continues in Ocean Grove. They’re booking more fundraisers. And in the fall, they’ll return with their annual Ugly Pancake Comedy Festival, a three-day event that has quickly become the highlight of their year.
If you’re thinking about getting into events, comedy, or any creative business, take it from these two: success isn’t about glitz—it’s about grit.
Get Involved
Follow Ugly Pancake Productions:
- Instagram: @uglypancakecomedy
- Facebook: Ugly Pancake Comedy
- Email: uglypancakecomedy@gmail.com
- Joe’s Art Studio Open Mic: Second Tuesday of each month, Ocean Grove
Whether you’re a comic, a fan, or a fundraiser looking for a fun event, Ugly Pancake is serving up laughs with a whole lot of heart.
This episode was filmed at Wingman Planning, in Belmar, NJ.
