A pillar of Rochester’s business community, Howie Jacobson has spent decades shaping brands, taking bold risks, and turning big ideas into reality. In this episode of Shelling Peas, he sits down with Chef Ryan Jennings to share the defining moments of his career—from importing Colombian soccer balls to landing an unprecedented brand deal with a Beatle. With sharp insights on adaptability, risk-taking, and the power of community, Howie’s journey is as inspiring as it is insightful. Packed with hard-won lessons and unforgettable stories, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sweet Pea Plant Based Kitchen

Based in Rochester, NY, Sweet Pea is a plant-powered kitchen creating transformative ways of wellness. Harnessing the power of food as medicine, we help you realize your happiest, healthiest self. Use promo code Lunchador15 for 15% off your order!

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover! https://foodabouttown.captivate.fm/

In this episode of Shelling Peas, Chef Ryan Jennings continues the food innovation conversation with Ryan Steenberg, co-founder of Panacheeza. Last week, Janessa Steenberg, Ryan’s wife and business partner, joined Chef Ryan on Connections with Evan Dawson to discuss how food producers are adapting to growing consumer demand for plant-based options.

Now, Ryan shares how Panacheeza evolved from a homemade recipe to a Whole Foods success story, the challenges of scaling a food startup, and the pivotal role that RIT Venture Creations Incubator and their mentor, Brad VanAuken, played in guiding their journey. With mentorship from Brad—who also worked with Jennings’ Sweet Pea Plant-Based Kitchen—Panacheeza found its footing in the competitive plant-based market and navigated the complex world of product development, branding, and retail expansion.

Tune in for insights on startup growth, breaking into retail, and how mentorship and community support helped shape Panacheeza’s success!

Mentioned in this episode:

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover! https://foodabouttown.captivate.fm/

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

Sweet Pea Plant Based Kitchen

Based in Rochester, NY, Sweet Pea is a plant-powered kitchen creating transformative ways of wellness. Harnessing the power of food as medicine, we help you realize your happiest, healthiest self. Use promo code Lunchador15 for 15% off your order!

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Join Chefs Ryan Jennings and Ali Lawrence for a plant-powered crossover, as they dive into the art of fermentation, the rise of vegan cuisine, and the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Ali shares her journey from the Culinary Institute of America to founding Spirit & Abundance, where she crafts small-batch, cultured plant-based cheeses that are redefining dairy-free dining in Rochester, NY. The two culinary experts connect over their shared passion for food innovation, and even tease another potential collaboration on the horizon.

Mentioned in this episode:

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover! https://foodabouttown.captivate.fm/

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com