Episode 25

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Published on:

16th Feb 2025

Scaling a Plant-Based Parmesan with Ryan Steenberg of Panacheeza

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

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About the Podcast

Shelling Peas
A plant-powered podcast with Chef Ryan Jennings of Sweet Pea Plant-Based Kitchen
Join Chef Ryan Jennings as he delves into the dynamic intersections of food, entrepreneurship, and the compelling stories behind his guests’ journeys. Each episode offers an inspiring blend of culinary insights, business wisdom, and personal narratives that highlight the passion and drive shaping the world of food and beyond.

About your host

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Ryan Jennings

Ryan Jennings is the CEO and Co-Founder of Sweet Pea Plant-Based Kitchen, a chef-prepared, plant-based meal delivery and co-packing company based in Rochester, NY.
Ryan is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, where he honed his culinary expertise before returning to Rochester to lead several esteemed dining establishments, including Rio Bamba and Max Rochester. At Sweet Pea, he champions innovative and efficient food production, with a strong emphasis on sourcing locally within New York State. As the winner of the 2022 Grow-NY Competition, Ryan and his team are focused on regional expansion, working to make whole-food, plant-based lifestyles accessible to everyone.

Shelling Peas began with the simple idea that when a chef peers beyond the kitchen into the dining room, they are given the rare opportunity to touch the lives of a diverse cross-section of their community. In his weekly podcast, Ryan delves into his guests’ past, present, and future, exploring shared experiences and building new connections that deepen their relationships and introduce them to broader audiences.

In addition to Shelling Peas, Ryan hosts Plant Powered, a cooking show on the Eat This TV Network. Watch Season 1 here:
https://youtu.be/mFUFlkBC_Ic?si=k_26oURHPkMZgrv2