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Free Podcast. No Advertisements. The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business. What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?
Episodes

Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
How does a family-owned business survive the death of its founder, a brutal reality TV takedown, and the sudden loss of its biggest manufacturing contracts, only to reinvent itself as a nine-figure snacking powerhouse?
In this fascinating episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Michael Emanuel, the third-generation leader of MGT Foods (formerly Mr. Green Tea). This is a masterclass in resilience, engineering, and the art of the pivot.
Michael shares the rich history of his family’s business, which began with his grandfather, a WWII bomber pilot, delivering green tea ice cream to New York City’s burgeoning Japanese restaurant scene in the 1960s. He recounts the lean years when his father drove the delivery trucks himself to keep the legacy alive, and his own decision to leave a Department of Defense engineering job to join the family fold.
The conversation dives deep into the turning points that defined the company’s modern era. Michael opens up about their appearance on the reality show The Profit with Marcus Lemonis, which—despite a rocky start—led to the investment that built their first state-of-the-art facility. He details the engineering breakthroughs they pioneered, specifically the Vacuum Form Seal (VFS) technology that revolutionized mochi ice cream manufacturing by eliminating costly stainless steel molds.
But the real story is about grit. When COVID-19 decimated their food service business and a massive contract with Yasso evaporated due to a Unilever acquisition, MGT Foods didn't fold. instead, they leveraged their manufacturing innovation to launch Biddy Bites, a clean-label, bite-sized cookie dough ice cream snack that exploded onto shelves at Wawa, Costco, and Trader Joe’s.
This episode is packed with lessons on navigating supply chain disasters, the importance of "clean label" ingredients, and why sometimes the best way to grow is to stop waiting for permission and build the solution yourself. It’s an inspiring look at how a legacy brand can stay relevant by combining old-school work ethic with cutting-edge innovation.
IG: @mr_green_tea
Address: www.mrgreentea.com
Location: 195 Claremont Ave, Long Beach, CA 90903
Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast
Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )
Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.
Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction
Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog
On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram
GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96
Free Podcast. No Advertisements. The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business. What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?
JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS
Email: justin.bizzarro@gmail.com
Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )
All music is scored by host or royalty free.
![Episode 511: Maria Leyesa of Foodologie - Long Beach, CA. How a [PHILIPINO-AMERICAN] Sweet Tooth Turned into an Entrepreneurial Journey. From Psychological Degrees to Cookie Mastery. The Unique Path.](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/4235342/Vintage-16-12-2019_21h13m38s_300x300.jpg)
Monday Dec 22, 2025
Monday Dec 22, 2025
In this inspiring episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Maria Leyesa, the passionate founder of Foodologie Baked Goods in Long Beach, California. This is a story about the power of the pivot, the importance of listening to your intuition, and how a hobby born out of necessity can transform into a full-fledged career.
Maria shares her unconventional path from a career in healthcare to the kitchen. While her professional background was in occupational therapy, helping patients regain independence, her heart had always gravitated toward food. She recounts how the lockdown of 2020 became the catalyst for her transformation. Armed with nothing but curiosity and a craving for the perfect chocolate chip cookie, she embarked on a self-taught baking journey, obsessively testing recipes and learning the science behind every ingredient.
This episode is a masterclass in building a brand with intention and authenticity. Maria details her strategic decision to launch with a hyper-focused menu of just four items—perfecting her cookies and brownies before expanding. She explains how she leveraged her "foodie" Instagram account, originally just a personal diary of her culinary adventures, into a powerful marketing tool that built a loyal community before she even opened her brick-and-mortar shop.
Discover the unique philosophy behind Foodology Baked Goods. More than just a bakery, Maria has created a "one-stop shop" experience that blends her Filipino heritage, innovative flavors like Ube and Pandan, and a curated gift shop featuring products from other small businesses. She shares invaluable insights on the challenges of scaling a small business, the art of hiring a team that shares your passion, and why sometimes, the best business plan is simply to start, stay flexible, and relentlessly pursue quality over rapid expansion.
Tune in for a dose of motivation for anyone who has ever dreamed of leaving the "safe path" to follow their true calling. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and that the skills you learn in one career can be the secret ingredients to your success in the next.
IG: @foodologiebakedgoods
Address: https://www.eatfoodologie.com/
Location: 195 Claremont Ave, Long Beach, CA 90903
Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast
Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )
Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.
Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction
Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog
On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram
GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96
Free Podcast. No Advertisements. The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business. What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?
JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS
Email: justin.bizzarro@gmail.com
Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )
All music is scored by host or royalty free.
![Episode 510: Michael Fors of Liquid Jazz - Gloucester, MA. The Wine Decanter That Rocks Your Senses and Your Tastebuds. Rockin' Wine instead of Rocking Chairs for This [FORMER] Retiree. ON THE ROCKS!](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/4235342/Vintage-16-12-2019_21h13m38s_300x300.jpg)
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
How does a retiree, after a 30-year career running a paint store, end up inventing a patented device that is disrupting the traditional wine world?
In this relaxing and insightful episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Michael Fors, the inventor and founder of Liquid Jazz. This is a story about observation, second acts, and the pursuit of a better sensory experience.
Michael shares his unique origin story, which began not in a boardroom, but on the rocky shores of Gloucester, Massachusetts. While watching the ocean crash against the rocks and smelling the salt air released by the agitation, he had an epiphany: could wine be opened up in the same way? This led to the creation of the Liquid Jazz Decanter, a patented vessel designed with internal "steps" that allows wine to gently rock back and forth, increasing surface area and aerating a bottle in just four minutes—a process that traditionally takes hours.
This episode offers a fascinating look at the nuts and bolts of bringing a physical product to life. Michael details the hurdles of manufacturing, from navigating high mold costs in the US to managing supply chains in China, and the "faith" required to invest retirement funds into a dream. He discusses his old-school, boots-on-the-ground sales strategy—walking into vineyards and restaurants to give live demonstrations—and the challenges of aligning inventory with modern influencer marketing.
Beyond the mechanics of business, this conversation delves into the psychology of the consumer experience. Justin and Michael explore how the rhythmic motion of the decanter offers a moment of tranquility and mindfulness in a chaotic world, turning the act of drinking wine into a soothing ritual.
Tune in for a story that proves innovation has no age limit. It’s an inspiring look at how a simple observation of nature can lead to a product that enhances connection, flavor, and peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
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The Power of Observation: How watching nature (ocean waves and river rapids) inspired a mechanical solution for wine aeration.
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The "Rocking" Technology: How the patented steps inside the decanter soften tannins and release aromatics in minutes rather than hours.
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Second Act Entrepreneurship: The reality of starting a global product business in retirement, including the financial and logistical risks.
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The Human Element: Why the product is about more than taste—it’s about creating a calming, shared experience that brings people together.
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Strategic Growth: Michael’s vision for partnering with larger distributors or wineries to scale the business while he focuses on the face-to-face demonstrations he loves.
IG: @liquidjazzexperience
Address: www.liquidjazzezperience.com
Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast
Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )
Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.
Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction
Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog
On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram
GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96
Free Podcast. No Advertisements. The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business. What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?
JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS
Email: justin.bizzarro@gmail.com
Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )
All music is scored by host or royalty free.
![Episode 509: Eugene Kang of Archer - San Bernardino, CA. Grass-Fed + Bold Flavors + Focus = Big [Holistic] Growth. The [Country] Archer [Jerky] Origin Story. One Bite Changed Their Lives [FOREVER].](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/4235342/Vintage-16-12-2019_21h13m38s_300x300.jpg)
Monday Dec 08, 2025
Monday Dec 08, 2025
How does a chance discovery of artisanal beef jerky at a roadside stand ignite a journey that leads to building a nationally recognized, nine-figure CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) powerhouse?
In this fascinating episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Eugene Kang, the visionary co-founder of Archer (formerly Country Archer). This is a masterclass in strategic growth, brand building, and the incredible power of seeing an opportunity where others see only a commodity.
Eugene shares his remarkable origin story, which began not in a culinary school, but on a road trip to the Grand Canyon. He recounts the moment he and his partner tasted an incredible, craft-made beef jerky and, driven by a blend of passion and curiosity, tracked down the 80-year-old butcher who was making it. Discover how they took a monumental leap of faith, getting a bank loan as college students to buy the small, family-owned co-packing business, armed with an entrepreneurial spirit inherited from Eugene's immigrant parents.
This is a story about the grueling, unglamorous, and absolutely essential work of scaling a business. Eugene details the pivotal first few years of learning the intricacies of USDA regulations, production planning, and the human element of manufacturing. He shares a powerful lesson about overcoming resistance to change, telling the story of investing in a state-of-the-art $60,000 slicer to increase efficiency, only to find his lead production manager—afraid of being replaced—refusing to use it.
The conversation is a blueprint for breaking into a hyper-competitive market. Eugene reveals the "Trojan horse" strategy that landed them their first major retail accounts: securing the official license for Huy Fong Sriracha during a national shortage, creating a unique product that no buyer could refuse. He also provides invaluable insights into the art of packaging, forecasting, and why his core leadership principle, learned from his father, is that your people are your greatest asset.
Tune in for an incredible story of how two college students transformed a small, private-label operation with eight employees into a national brand with over 200 team members, available in more than 25,000 stores. It's a must-listen for any entrepreneur who wants to understand the vision, grit, and humility it takes to build an empire.
IG: @archerjerky
Address: https://archerjerky.com/
Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast
Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )
Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.
Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction
Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog
On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram
GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96
Free Podcast. No Advertisements. The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business. What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?
JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS
Email: justin.bizzarro@gmail.com
Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )
All music is scored by host or royalty free.

Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
What happens when a high-flying venture capitalist and best-selling business author, weary of a life of PowerPoint presentations and airplane rides, trades it all for dirt, dust, and a dilapidated historic house in Napa Valley?
In this deeply inspiring episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Richard Moran, author of the captivating new book, The Accidental Vineyard. This is a powerful story of reinvention, a testament to the human need to build something tangible, and a masterclass in the art of creating a family legacy.
Richard shares the "why" behind his incredible journey: a desire to give his city-raised children a taste of a freer, more hands-on life, and his own personal quest to become a "maker." He recounts the monumental, 30-year undertaking of restoring an 1870s house, a project he envisioned from day one as the future setting for his four-year-old daughter's wedding—a vision that recently, and beautifully, came true.
Discover the almost mythical origin story of the vineyard itself. This wasn't a calculated business plan; it was a miraculous accident. Richard tells the amazing story of how a neighboring vineyard manager simply showed up one day with a thousand leftover Cabernet vines and a simple question: "Do you want us to plant them on your property for you?" That single, spontaneous "yes" launched a family into the wine business.
This conversation is a raw and honest look at the grueling reality of that decision. Richard gets candid about his initial incompetence—"I am not a gifted farmer"—and the humbling failure of their first vintage, which he admits was "terrible." He details the long, patient process of learning the craft of pruning, picking, and winemaking, a journey that ultimately led their small-batch, authentic wine to a list in a five-star Manhattan restaurant.
Packed with wisdom from a lifetime of advising top CEOs, this episode is about more than just wine. It's a profound reflection on the core principles of leadership: the power of clear intent, the underrated skill of listening, and the courage to make a decision. For anyone dreaming of a second act or seeking to build something with meaning, this story is an unmissable lesson in patience, perseverance, and the profound joy of creating a place that brings a family together.
![Episode 507: Marty [and Ralph] Loya of Growing with Sarah Farm - El Paso, TX. Reviving OLD + SUSTAINABLE Traditions. How Bodega Loya Brings Love to Build Community. The Evolution of Farm Tourism.](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/4235342/Vintage-16-12-2019_21h13m38s_300x300.jpg)
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
How does a family transform a 100-year-old cotton farm into a thriving, diversified hub of organic produce and community, all while honoring a deeply personal legacy?
In this incredibly moving episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro welcomes Marty Loya, affectionately known as "Bodega Loya," from Growing with Sarah Farm in Socorro, Texas. This is a powerful story of rebirth, resilience, and how the deepest losses can plant the seeds for the most profound growth.
Marty shares the farm's extraordinary evolution, a journey that began with a pivotal decision by her and her husband to move away from conventional cotton farming and embrace a more sustainable future. She reveals the powerful and poignant story behind the farm's name, "Growing with Sarah," a tribute to the baby they lost, whose memory now fuels their mission to nourish and grow their community.
This is a masterclass in scrappy, resourceful, and innovative farming. Discover how Marty and her husband leveraged grants to build their first high-tunnel greenhouse, a game-changer that allowed for year-round production. Learn about their journey of regenerating the soil with compost and chicken manure, and how they transformed the farm's historic adobe buildings into a vibrant community marketplace, complete with a coffee shop, local artist showcases, and artisan boutiques.
The conversation highlights a truly revolutionary approach to community outreach: the Mobile Bodega Loya. Hear the inspiring story of how they converted a trailer into a mobile farmer's market, taking fresh, organic produce directly into food deserts and underserved areas, and making it accessible through programs that offer 50% discounts for SNAP users.
For anyone who believes in the power of local food systems, this episode is an essential listen. It is a testament to the fact that you don't need hundreds of acres to make a massive impact. It’s a story about the power of partnership, the importance of community, and how one family's vision is creating a legacy of health, education, and hope that extends far beyond the farm gate.
![Episode 506: Ashley Bock of Air Inhalation Rituals (AIR) - Dubai, UAE. Global Rituals, Modern Flavor. Building a Hookah Brand Across Borders. How The Hookah is Reinventing [RESTAURANT] Social Nights.](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/4235342/Vintage-16-12-2019_21h13m38s_300x300.jpg)
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
How do you take a centuries-old cultural ritual, steeped in tradition, and revolutionize it for the modern global consumer?
In this fascinating episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Ashley Bock, a global marketing expert from Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR). This is a deep dive into the business of culture, innovation, and community, exploring how their groundbreaking electronic hookah device, OOKA, is transforming a beloved social tradition.
Ashley, a South African native with years of experience scaling brands across the US, the Middle East, and Asia, shares her unique perspective on building culturally relevant businesses. She explains that while the tools may change, the deep human desire for social connection remains universal. The conversation centers on how OOKA brilliantly solves the biggest pain points of traditional hookah—the messy setup, the hassle of managing hot coals, and the need for specialized staff—with an intuitive, pod-based system that is both simple and elegant.
This episode is a masterclass for any entrepreneur looking to break into international markets. Ashley details AIR's strategic approach to global expansion, which starts by identifying and partnering with the cultural epicenters of the hookah community, primarily within the Middle Eastern diaspora. Discover their grassroots strategy of launching in hotels, restaurants, and lounges, allowing consumers to experience the product with a low barrier to entry, thereby building trust and organic demand before expanding into retail and e-commerce.
More than just a product discussion, this is a story about elevating an entire experience. Ashley articulates a powerful vision where OOKA is not just a gadget, but a revenue-driving tool for hospitality businesses and a centerpiece for social gatherings at home. It’s about giving people back their time to focus on what truly matters: conversation, connection, and community.
Tune in for an inspiring look at the intersection of tradition and technology. This is a story about honoring the past while boldly innovating for the future, proving that the most successful products are those that enhance, rather than replace, our most cherished human rituals.
Address: www.air.global
Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast
Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )
Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.
Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction
Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog
Fellowship and Food: GorillaBrave Events and Summits
On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram
GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96
Free Podcast. No Advertisements. The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business. What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?
JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS
Email: justin.bizzarro@gmail.com
Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )
All music is scored by host or royalty free.
![Episode 505: Stefan Nicodemou of Saucy Rascals - Long Island, NY. From Wall Street to Sauce Street. The Subway Flavor Ride to Sauce Town. What [THE SMELL] is BLACK GARLIC TERIYAKI? Clean Ingredients.](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/4235342/Vintage-16-12-2019_21h13m38s_300x300.jpg)
Monday Nov 10, 2025
Monday Nov 10, 2025
How does a successful executive in the high-stakes world of finance and technology channel his creative energy into an entirely different venture: a family-centric, craft sauce company?
In this inspiring episode of the JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS Show, host Justin Bizzarro sits down with Stefan, the founder of Saucy Rascals. This is a powerful story about balancing a demanding corporate career with a passion project, and the journey of turning a backyard hobby into a legitimate, scalable brand.
Stefan shares the authentic origin story of his company, which began not in a boardroom, but at a local charity barbecue competition on Long Island. He recounts how, with the help of his two young sons, he created a signature barbecue sauce that won the competition two years in a row. Spurred on by friends and a desire to create, he began the long process of transforming a home recipe into a commercial product.
This is a masterclass for anyone with a "side hustle" they dream of growing. Stefan details his strategic evolution, from initial kitchen experiments to taking a pivotal "gap year" to focus on scaling the business. He provides invaluable insights into navigating the complex world of CPG, from finding the right bottle suppliers to partnering with a third-generation co-packer who could execute his vision with precision.
Discover the heart and soul behind the Saucy Rascals brand. Stefan explains how the company is a true family affair, with the logo featuring the charming, mohawked faces of his two sons—the "original saucy rascals." He unpacks his product line, from the award-winning barbecue sauce to a creative Black Garlic Teriyaki, all built on a core philosophy of clean ingredients and flavor-first development.
This is an essential listen for any aspiring entrepreneur trying to balance their passion with their profession. It's a story filled with practical lessons on product development, finding the right partners, and the grit it takes to build a brand that is as meaningful as it is delicious.
IG: @saucyrascals
Address: www.saucyrascals.com
Entrepreneur interested in being on the show: https://calendly.com/justin-bizzarro/podcast
Hosted By: Justin Ryan Bizzarro (IG: @justinbizzarro and LinkedIn: FOLLOW ME )
Who is Justin Ryan Bizzarro? – Justin Bizzarro is a serial food, restaurant, technology, media and marketing entrepreneur, who helped build a 24-year-old group of food and restaurant related businesses, he created with his father and business partners out of his family’s basement, in 1998. He is a highly desired business management, personal and athlete growth, free market, food diversity, and entrepreneurial leadership speaker. Justin’s expertise are in human growth, motivation, leadership and management development, health foods and beverages, global lean manufacturing facilities, vertically integrating businesses, food marketing and advertising, supply chain creation and management, direct to consumer fulfillment, transportation and distribution, personal brand building, restaurant development and construction, and entrepreneur acceleration. Justin received his BA in International Business and Management from Dickinson College, in 2002, and his MBA from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity in Leadership from Denver Seminary. His leadership and entrepreneur podcasts have positively impacted millions of people across the globe.
Our [ELITE] Food, Farming, Hospitality, Nutrition, and Beverage Entrepreneurs Community: Under [NEW] Construction
Blog Anyone?: GorillaBrave Blog
Fellowship and Food: GorillaBrave Events and Summits
On Instagram: GorillaBrave on Instagram
GorillaBrave Group on Whoop: COMM-473D96
Free Podcast. No Advertisements. The stories of Food, Beverage, Farming, Hospitality, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs and how their failures led to the successes in their lives and in their business. What does the future have in store for the food, beverage, and nutrition entrepreneur?
JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS
Email: justin.bizzarro@gmail.com
Instagram: @justinandthefoodentrepreneurs ( #foodentrepreneurs )
All music is scored by host or royalty free.
![JUSTIN AND THE [FOOD] ENTREPRENEURS](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ihtfykuk4ks9i4dt/GORILLA_BRAVE_logo-05ae495277-87fb-6ee5-c230-2764e6582522.jpg)