495 Productions and Vh1 have given Megin and I an amazing opportunity with “My Big Friggin’ Wedding.” It was an experience we will never forget. My goal from this day forward is to become the undisputed Meatball King of New Jersey as I talked about on the show. Growing the Johnny Meatballs Empire is my top priority now.

Being on a reality show and a part of pop culture was a blast but at the end of the day, I’m all about my passion for food and all things Italian-American. The chaotic business “start-up” stuff made for good TV, and a lot of people have asked if there will be some sort of follow-up or spin-off show. The road to entrepreneurship is quite hard work, it takes more dedication and determination than most 9-5 jobs that people go their whole lives hating. A lot of what wasn’t shown on TV were the hours and hours of blood, sweat and tears it took to build this meatball business from a dream in my home kitchen into a real USDA-certified company now in mass commercial production. In the end, it’s been the most fulfilling and best decision I could have made—indeed a scary one in these economic times. But there is no risk without reward and you have to take chances in this life.

That’s why “Rocky Balboa” is such an inspirational and relatable figure to me (and why I chose black & gold—his trunk colors from the sequel) as my wedding colors. The original “Rocky” was about that once-in-a-lifetime chance he got. And he went the distance. Part II (my favorite in the series) was where the story continued and he became a champion. Like that character, my story continues.

For me, making the JME a truly unstoppable empire should precede another show in my opinion. To me, a new show shouldn’t have a role in dictating where the JME goes if that makes sense. Ideally, if I were to do another show, I’d like to have a “Cake Boss” style format where my meatballs are shown in the best light possible—with me as the champion and holding “the title.”

We will see what happens, and I’ll share any possible developments. In the meantime, I’ll be rolling lots of balls, performing my Meatball Song (available on iTunes) and putting out more youtube videos of all my food related adventures. Watch out for the “Meat & Greet” team, we may come to a town near you soon! Stay tuned.