In this episode of Shelling Peas, host Chef Ryan Jennings longtime friend and culinary collaborator, Chef Sean O'Donnell, to the show. They reminisce about their early days working together at Max Rochester and Sean's evolution from being a sous chef at Next Door restaurant to taking on a role in research and development. Sean shares insights into his pivotal experiences, including working with legendary local purveyors, his time at Bar Bantam, and the intricacies of Japanese cuisine he mastered at Next Door. The episode also delves into Sean’s personal passions and future aspirations, providing a comprehensive look at his journey from a passionate young cook to an influential chef.

Mentioned in this episode:

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/

Joe Bean Roasters

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

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!

The last time Ryan was on, the podcast was a bit rushed as Pauly had an appointment to get to, so this is kind of like a make-good or a part 2. Enjoy!

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! https://sweetpeaplantbased.com

Mind of Magnus

Artist Magnus Champlin Interviews guests sharing the stories and life adventures with the goal of expanding minds.

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

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 welcomes Maria Whitney, chef and owner of Keep It Rollin' Sushi. Maria shares her journey in the food industry, starting from her early days as a bread girl. They reminisce about their initial meeting and California Rollin' days, discuss the challenges of running a food business, particularly during COVID-19, and the importance of passion and dedication in mastering sushi-making. Maria also talks about her entrepreneurial leap, the community's support during trying times, and the rewarding feeling of seeing her daughter excel in sushi-making. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with personal anecdotes, industry insights, and the enduring love for culinary arts.

Mentioned in this episode:

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, Jon Swan, the visionary behind the Swan Family of Restaurants in Rochester, New York, joins host Chef Ryan Jennings for a conversation about his journey from dishwasher to restaurateur. Jon shares how his love of travel inspires the unique concepts behind his restaurants, including Roux, Dorado, and Alexander Social, and how reinvestment and innovation have fueled his success.

The discussion explores the challenges of growing a restaurant group while maintaining quality and a strong sense of community. With insights into balancing creativity, practicality, and leadership, this episode offers a fascinating look at the life of a dedicated restaurateur.

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

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!

In this inspiring episode of Shelling Peas, Chef Ryan Jennings sits down with Sharon Cryan, CEO and founder of FoodNerd, to discuss her journey from attorney to entrepreneur. Sharon shares the pivotal moments that led her to create FoodNerd, a company dedicated to revolutionizing children's nutrition with whole-food, plant-based solutions. Fresh off her million-dollar win at the 43North competition, Sharon reveals how her passion for health, driven by personal and family experiences, fuels her mission to combat ultra-processed foods and promote nutritional equality.

Tune in to hear Sharon's take on the challenges of scaling innovative food technology, the impact of early childhood nutrition, and how FoodNerd is setting a new standard in the food industry. Plus, learn how she’s balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood while striving to make every child’s life healthier—one puff at a time.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

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.

In this week's episode of 'Shelling Peas,' Chef Ryan Jennings sits down with Neil Doran, a seasoned restaurant and hospitality expert. They reminisce about their shared experiences working at the Max Rochester family of restaurants and discuss the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. From their early days at the Strathallen Hotel to the challenges faced during large-scale events like the Xerox International Jazz Festival, Neil and Ryan offer insights into adapting to industry changes, the importance of convenience for today's consumers, and the value of innovation in a competitive market. They also touch on the importance of community involvement, the potential of culinary education, and the diverse career paths available in the hospitality sector. This episode is a heartfelt journey through shared memories and professional growth, offering valuable advice for anyone interested in the world of restaurants and hospitality.

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

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.

In this episode of Shelling Peas, Chef Ryan Jennings chats with Keith McCullough, Founder and CEO of Junabar, about his inspiring journey from a two-decade career in the video game industry to launching a line of plant-based granola bars. They dive into Keith's background, the evolution of his passions, and the obstacles and achievements he encountered along the way. Highlights include discussions on entrepreneurship, the effects of the pandemic, the rise of AI, and the importance of local production and veganism. Tune in for a compelling conversation about reinvention and reflections on the value of mindful, purpose-driven living.

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

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!

In this episode of Shelling Peas, Chef Ryan Jennings is joined by Chris Kisiel, the chef and owner of Bad Apples Bistro in Spencerport. The two chefs reminisce about their journeys in the culinary world, sharing stories from their early days, the challenges they faced, and the camaraderie they built while working together. Chris delves deeply into his experience of starting and running his own restaurant, the importance of having a supportive team, and how becoming a father and choosing sobriety has shaped his approach to life and business. A fascinating and heartfelt look at the world of culinary arts through the eyes of two passionate chefs.

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