Join us in the Grand Rapids Downtown Market second floor Banquet Room for a panel discussion all about pricing!
As we celebrate Small Business Week, Culinary Conversations brings together an incredible group of panelists who will shine a light on one of the most critical and often misunderstood parts of building a successful food business: pricing. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your pricing strategy, this conversation is designed to give you practical insights, honest lessons, and actionable takeaways you can use immediately.
PANELISTS:
Jeff Lobdell - President and Founder, Restaurant Partners Management
Jeff Lobdell is the President and founder of Restaurant Partners Management, LLC, a family owned and operated company with locations in Traverse City and Grand Rapids. Jeff has 21 independent restaurant locations, 2 beachfront resorts, and employs over 900 people. He is passionate about the hospitality industry, his restaurant business and the communities that they operate in.
Zenobia Taylor-Braun - Founder and Co-owner, Cellar Door Preserves
Zenobia Taylor-Braun has over fifteen years of experience in food preservation and is the creative mind behind Cellar Door Preserves, which she started by herself in 2016. Cellar Door Preserves has sold products in all 50 states and Canada. In addition to running Cellar Door Preserves Zenobia does consulting in product/recipe development, business establishment, and entrepreneurial mentorship. In her free time she enjoys walks with her dog, Peaches, and hosting dinner parties.
Kendra Wills - Extension Educator and Innovation Counselor, MSU Product Center
Kendra Wills is an Extension Educator and Innovation Counselor with the Michigan State University (MSU) Product Center, serving consumer packaged goods (CPG) entrepreneurs across west and southwest Michigan. She works closely with founders at the earliest—and most critical—stages of their business, helping them navigate licensing, business planning, and the pricing decisions that determine long-term viability.
Gilma DeLaCruz - Owner, El Caribe Foods
Chef Gilma DeLaCruz is a Dominican entrepreneur, and owner of El Caribe Foods. Gilma developed her passion for cooking at a young age in her grandmother’s kitchen, where food was a powerful way to connect, celebrate, and share culture. With determination and the support of her family, she launched El Caribe, starting with a food truck that quickly became known for bold, authentic dishes inspired by Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban cuisine.
Mandy Thompson - Executive Chef, Revive & Thrive
Chef Mandy manages all kitchen operations from recipe creation and menu planning through meal preparation and inventory control. She leads kitchen staff and volunteers, develops Teen Chef curriculum, and builds strategic partnerships with local farms, producers, and nonprofits to deliver nutritious, medically supportive meals. Chef Mandy's passion for food and its connection to health began with the birth of her first child. Becoming a mother led her to discover that understanding food and nutrition—and making it delicious—is her gift to the world.
MODERATOR:
Jermale Eddie - Program Manager, Venture Creation at the Michigan State University Research Foundation
Jermale Eddie is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and community advocate with over a decade of experience helping startups and small businesses launch, grow, and succeed. He currently serves as the Program Manager for Venture Creation at the Michigan State University Research Foundation, where he supports entrepreneurs and drives innovation across West Michigan. As the founder of the award-winning Malamiah Juice Bar and Malamazing Juice Company, Jermale brings firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities of business ownership.
By registering for Culinary Conversations events, you permit the use of your image (including, but not limited to photographs, audio recordings, or videos), without charge and without reservation—all or a portion of your story, likeness, and voice in future Downtown Market promotion.
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The Culinary Conversations Meetup group is a partnership between the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Education Foundation, GROW, MSU Extension, Start Garden, and SpringGR.
