Foodpreneur

Foodpreneur:

 Jasper Russell

About the Foodpreneur: 

Born and raised in the south. I grew up within a family who had an affinity for delicious cuisine stemming from diverse cultures. As a child, I tuned into shows like Justin the Cajun Man to the Asian Sensation Martin Yan, and found myself mesmerized by their fun energy and passion for cooking. My love for great fare increased daily, as I experimented in the kitchen with different dishes, and soon discovered my true love was with confections. Christmas Eve is always my favorite part of the holidays, because my mother has built a tradition of baking at least 7 different types of three layer cakes, which I can't resist tasting each one.  Of course my sweet tooth always craved chocolate, and when my love of creating unique dishes and chocolate fused together, the synergy began...

 About the Graffiti Zoo Biz:

We are family & friends operated business that sprouted one spring day in 2002 with our first batch of award winning Zebras.  From that day, we have been committed to creating the most unique and fun chocolate for our customers.  Our chocolates are handmade in small batches, using only the freshest of ingredients.  Creating the most unusual flavor combinations and an unforgettable chocolate experience!  As a company dedicated to our local community, we believe in giving back.  So, in keeping with our love of animals, we donate a portion of our proceeds to the Conservation Endowment Fund of the American Zoo & Aquarium Association.

Founded: 

2002

Employees: 

11

Clients: 

FAO Schwartz, Whole Foods, Ritz Carlton, Amazon.com, and various Zoos and Aquariums 

Marketing Strategies: 

Our strategy is to reach out to the inner child that lives in all of us. Our grassroots approach enables us to connect with our customers and share in their experience when they taste our delicious chocolates.

Fun Food Story: 

One of the most memorable stories was the day the Department of Agriculture came to inspect our factory. After inspecting our facility from top to bottom, they approached us with packages of the Barking Dogs and Zebras. Then they proceeded to ask if the pictures of the animals on our packages were demonic symbols. We were so stunned by the question, that we couldn't do anything but laugh!

Jasper knew Graffiti Zoo was a hit when: 

ABC Nightly News wanted to fly in from Washington DC to our small community of Conyers to do a story featuring our chocolate factory on the health benefits of eating chocolate.

In the News: 

We were featured as the Snack of the Day for the Rachel Ray Show, Paula Dean Magazine Hot Pics, and the NBC Nightly News story on chocolate and health. 

Why is Jasper in the Food Business? 

Food encompasses no boundaries or borders; therefore, it is the only way I can express myself and feed others with my infinite imagination. 

Words from the Wise (what you don't like about the biz): 

The rising costs of raw materials and not wanting to pass the increased expenses to our clients.

Final Thoughts from Jasper: 

I believe that any one can succeed in the food business as long as they possess patience, determination, and aware of changing trends. I believe it is a great way to express a person's artistic view in edible fashion.

Contacting Graffiti Zoo: 

Graffiti Zoo - Sugar and Spice Sugar Company
1422 Business Center Drive
Conyers, GA  30094
(678) 413-0025
Website:  Graffiti Zoo

 

 

 

 

Foodpreneur:

Cal Hancock 

About the Foodpreneur: 

It all started with Nana.  I grew up in Maine and spent summers  working for my grandmother, Hazel, who owned a lobster restaurant. Her mission statement (although she would never use that term) was to deliver the finest Maine lobster, the finest customer service and the best "Maine" experience to her customers. She ran the restaurant for 25 years with her two sisters, and they taught their children and grandchildren (me among them) well.  The restaurant is still in the family.

 I spent years "away" in the midwest after college in private and public companies focusing on customer service and marketing - but not in the food business.  I always yearned to be back in Maine and to use my business experience and my love of cooking.  I convinced my husband to move back to Maine and created my company in 2000 with a mission statement similar to Nana's - to bring great Maine lobster to customers around the country using long-held family recipes that combine the ease of preparation with the highest standard of quality and customer service.

About the Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co. Biz:

We are a specialty food company focusing on the production and marketing of the best all-natural, value-added gourmet lobster products.  Our goal has always been to "make lobster more accessible for people to enjoy at home" - we take the fuss out of preparing and eating lobster.  We are known for our quality and all of our products are loaded with Maine lobster- we make them simple and comfortable as well as elegant and impressive. Our products have won several awards and we have been featured in loads of newspapers, magazines and other media outlets around the country. 

We are big supporters of the Maine lobster industry.  The industry is eco-friendly to ensure the resource is sustainable and prosperous.

Founded: 

2000

Number of Employees: 

8

Clients: 

Williams-Sonoma, Dean & Deluca, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Harry & David, Stonewall Kitchen, Amazon.com, Costco 

Marketing Strategies: 

Catalog, Email marketing, Regional and National Magazine advertising, Trade Shows 

Fun Food Story:

We ship our products to all 50 states every day so mail order is a big part of our life.  All of our products are shipped frozen with frozen gel packs.  We got a call one day from a lady who wanted to know "what was in the sauce packet".  We finally figured out she was asking about the frozen gel packs.  We were very happy she called so we could let her know it wasn't edible.

Cal knew Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co. was a hit when: 

We won the gold for Best Seafood for our Pemaquid Point Lobster Pot Pies at the International Fancy Food Show in 2003.

 In the News:

New York Times, Food and Wine, Philadelphia Inquirer, Houston Chronicle, Rosengarten Report, Boston Herald, Real Simple, The Food Network 

Why is Cal in the Food Business? 

It's fun!  I love food, I love to eat, I love Maine and love being able to bring the great taste of Maine lobster to everyone around the country.

Words from the Wise: 

It's easy for a business to overtake your life.  I gained a lot of weight in the beginning because I was focusing on the business and not paying attention to me. There has to be a balance in your life.    

 Final Thoughts from Cal:

A lot of people thought I was crazy and would never succeed.  I always knew it was the right thing to do and that I had a good idea.   I had a vision, I have a vision and I am living the vision.   

Contacting Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co:    

Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co.
104 Taylor Road
Cundy's Harbor
Harpswell, ME  04079
Website:  Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co.              

 

 

Foodpreneur:

Wendy McGhee

About the Foodpreneur: 

Baking and entertaining has always been my passion.  As the owner of Daisy's Desserts, I share that passion with my clients. Great food is a staple at all McGhee family gatherings, with dessert as the "sweet ending" to every meal. I attribute much of my love of baking to my mother (Jennetta "Daisy" Kendrick McGhee), grandmother and aunts.  Daisy's Desserts opened October 7, 2005 and has grown exponentially each year.
 
I began my career as an IT Professional and spent nine years as a software consultant and the last six years as a Consulting firm owner. A few years ago, I started making cakes for colleagues and friends. As the demand for my cakes grew, I pursued formal training in cake design, attending culinary schools in the Atlanta area and the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan, where I studied under world famous cake designer and author Toba Garrett. Chef Toba taught me how to make great tasting cakes works of art.

 Our gourmet desserts are made using all natural ingredients imported from around the world and often features treasured McGhee family recipes that have been passed on from generation to generation.

 About the Daisy's Desserts Biz:

Daisy's Desserts specializes in gourmet organic desserts.  We make our desserts based on the tastes and the desires of our clients.  Because we use organic ingredients, all of our desserts are made to order the day before they are delivered to our clients.

Founded: 

2005

Number of Employees: 

4

Marketing Strategies:

We get most of our clients from referrals of current clients.  Our website is our number one marketing tool.

Fun Food Story: 

We made a client a cake shaped like a present from Tiffany's.  The client said the cake was so beautiful she didn't cut it.

None of the party guests got to enjoy the cake.  She kept the cake for a week before cutting it.

Wendy knew Daisy's Desserts was a hit when: 

I was on the local Fox affiliate and my phone rang for hours without a break.

In the News: 

Atlanta Social Season, The Atlanta Voice

Why is Wendy in the Gourmet Food Business? 

I love the creative aspect of baking and designing desserts.

Words From the  Wise (what you don't like about the biz):

That I can't bake in my sleep!

A Final Thought from Wendy: 

I am truly passionate about food, and it brings us all together.

Contacting Daisy's Desserts: 

Daisy's Desserts
2019 Hidden Valley Drive
Marietta, GA  30008
404-687-7772
Website:  Daisy's Desserts