Five Business Owners Tackle F&B with Smart Moves and Limited Resources
Food and beverages are essential for our daily sustenance and well-being, making the industry crucial. It ensures people have access to the nutrition they need for healthy lives. This fundamental necessity drives continuous demand, positioning the F&B industry as a cornerstone of the global economy.
In 2024, the U.S. F&B industry remains a vital part of the economy, employing approximately 9.2 million people. The sector is largely composed of small to medium-sized businesses, with 87% of establishments falling into this category and 78% reporting annual revenues between $100,000 and $5 million. Despite challenges such as labor shortages, economic uncertainty, and rising operational costs, the industry continues to show resilience.
Embracing industry trends, these five small businesses are experiencing remarkable growth while bringing fresh flavors and innovation to the F&B world.
Blenda Gann’s Path to The Blissful Bean
Meet Blenda Gann, a devoted military spouse whose husband is set to retire in December after 35 years of service in the Mississippi Army National Guard. Blenda turned her love for coffee and community into The Blissful Bean, a thriving local favorite. Her journey began in August 2023 with the help of Military OneSource and the SBA’s Military Spouse Pathway to Business program, which provided her with the skills and knowledge to start her coffee shop.
After completing the initial program, Blenda enrolled in the SBA’s Boots to Business Revenue Readiness course, which helped her fine-tune her business plan and prepare for the challenges of running a business.
Gann understood that being a military spouse often meant dealing with constant changes and relocations. However, she wanted to create a sense of stability for herself and her community by offering a warm and welcoming place for people to enjoy their favorite coffee on the go. Her vision for The Blissful Bean was not just about starting a business; it was about fostering a sense of community.
With the knowledge and skills gained from the SBA entrepreneurship courses, Gann officially opened The Blissful Bean in the summer of 2024. This drive-thru coffee shop is now a beloved part of the Ecru, Mississippi community.
In a town where everyone knows each other, The Blissful Bean has quickly become a popular spot for locals to enjoy freshly brewed coffee and connect with familiar faces. From handcrafted espresso drinks to simple drip coffee, The Blissful Bean offers a menu that caters to everyone, whether they’re in a hurry or looking for a quiet moment.
The Blissful Bean is more than just a place to get coffee; it’s about sharing joy and comfort in every cup. As the business continues to grow, Gann remains dedicated to making it a place of warmth and connection for her customers.
Gilbert Tsang – Left His 9-5 Jobs to Pursue His Passion for Coffee
Next, let’s learn about Gilbert Tsang and MEM Tea Imports.
Gilbert Tsang transitioned from a secure investment job to pursue his passion for coffee, opening a café in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood. To broaden his offerings, he incorporated tea products from MEM Tea Imports into his menu.
This blend of coffee and tea was a winning combination. It not only enriched his menu but also sparked a meaningful partnership with Mark Mooradian, the founder of MEM Tea Imports, who admired Tsang’s effective coffee distribution methods.
For several years, they entertained the idea of merging their businesses to better serve Boston’s hospitality sector with both coffee and tea. This vision came to life in 2009 when Tsang took over MEM Tea Imports, setting the stage for a company that would become a leading supplier of premium teas nationwide.
After selling his share in the coffee business, Gilbert Tsang dedicated himself entirely to tea, leading MEM Tea Imports to thrive. Based in Wakefield, the company focuses on distributing high-quality loose-leaf teas sourced globally. Today, MEM Tea’s products are available in various New England hospitality venues, including well-known places like Flour Bakery, Tatte, and Mistral.
Tsang expanded MEM Tea by acquiring two additional companies. In Pursuit of Tea, established in 1999, specializes in sourcing premium teas from small farms in Asia and has supplied top venues like New York’s Eleven Madison Park and Gramercy Tavern. Tamim Teas, added post-pandemic, focuses on wellness teas made from medicinal mushrooms, rooted in Eastern medicine traditions.
To support this growth, Tsang sought a larger facility and utilized the SBA 504 loan program. He connected with Ryan Johnson from BDC Capital/CDC New England to facilitate the loan process and secure a new headquarters.
Today, MEM Tea Imports employs around 20 staff members and is expanding into new markets, including Washington, D.C., through strategic partnerships. Tsang’s strategy involves collaborating with coffee roasters and other tea companies to distribute MEM Tea products under private labels or the MEM Tea brand.
“We’re working with more partners, more roasters, and other tea companies,” Tsang explains. “Instead of trying to break into new geographic areas ourselves, we partner with coffee roasters who already have established wholesale businesses. We become their tea purveyor, and they distribute our teas alongside their coffee.”
Josh Blancas’ Journey to Creating a Community Hub
Josh Blancas, a native Texan, completed his education at Baylor University. Following his graduation, he spent eight years working in the oil and gas sector.
“It was a great first job out of college—I got to travel the world and gain a lot of really valuable experience,” he recalled,
He always harbored a dream of opening a coffee shop, believing it would be a meaningful venture. During a visit to Martinsville, he noticed the town lacked a central spot for people to gather with friends or family. This observation sparked the idea of creating such a space for the community, making him realize it was the right time to pursue his long-held aspiration.
He explains, “Still, I always had a dream in the back of my mind of starting a coffee shop. I always just thought, man, that would be meaningful. When we visited Martinsville, we noticed a real lack of a central gathering place. There wasn’t anywhere to go to sit down with friends or family, and we thought, how cool would it be if we could create that kind of space for the community? The idea had always been there, but in that moment, I knew it was a sign that we needed to actually pursue it.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, while still employed, Blancas envisioned creating a coffee shop where people could connect. He frequently shared the idea with friends, many of whom thought he was crazy for considering such a venture during such uncertain times.
In 2020, a friend told him about a building he owned in Martinsville, VA. Curious about the opportunity, Blancas visited the small city to explore the space. That visit solidified his decision—he moved his wife and two children to Martinsville and launched The Ground Floor.
Despite having no prior experience working in or running a coffee shop, Blancas took a leap of faith. Moving to a new state, navigating a completely unfamiliar industry, and starting a business during a global pandemic presented enormous challenges, but he embraced them head-on.
After moving, Blancas formed a connection with Michael Scales, a counselor at the Martinsville-Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC). These centers, supported by the SBA, provide resources and direct support for new and growing businesses. Affiliated with Longwood University, the Martinsville SBDC helps Virginians start, expand, and address business challenges. The Center supports small businesses through all stages of growth with personalized counseling and educational programs.
He said, “One of the key relationships I developed in the early stages of starting my business was with the Small Business Development Center. I was quickly introduced to Michael Scales, and he was instrumental in getting this business off the ground.”
Scales helped Blancas with his business plan and to build a network of people. With the assistance Scales provided, Blancas opened the coffee shop in May of 2021. He started with six employees and now has 10 full & part-time employees.
Richard Tango-Lowy – “For chocolate is art. And as art it is magnificent.”
In 1995, Richard Tango-Lowy discovered his passion for chocolate, which he describes as a complex and challenging muse.
“I first encountered the True Soul of Chocolate in 1995. For years I have sought her subtle nuances, studied her moods, and struggled to understand her complex temper. She is a most difficult mistress; coquettish and proud, quick to anger, open only to the most patient of overtures. Chocolate is my passion,” Richard said in an interview with Boston Voyer.
He expressed, “I will never master her–who can master one so willful and tempestuous? But I will continue to woo her and to craft a small bit of her soul into each truffle and bonbon I create. For chocolate is art. And as art she is magnificent.”
Richard Tango-Lowy established Dancing Lion Chocolate in a rented kitchen in downtown Manchester in 2007. By 2011, he opened a location on Elm Street, which has since become a renowned destination for chocolate enthusiasts worldwide. Richard and his team create bonbons, bars, and confections on-site using cacao beans from small farms and Heirloom-designated sources, often collaborating directly with farmers in Guatemala, Belize, and Puerto Rico.
Dancing Lion Chocolate is famous for its authentic Mayan-style drinking chocolate, and its croissants and baked goods have developed a dedicated following.
Richard and his team take pride in offering not only exceptional chocolate but also a unique experience that aligns with their mission to “surprise and delight every customer with perfect customer service and the highest quality products.” Richard has been recognized as one of the world’s top chocolatiers, and his teachings, along with Dancing Lion Chocolate’s sourcing and products, have a significant global influence on the fine chocolate industry.
Throughout his career, Richard has educated hundreds of professional chocolatiers and mentored local culinary students. He has utilized the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, in collaboration with the Excellence North Alliance, to assist both local and international businesses in achieving sustainable success.
In 2011, Richard secured a 504 SBA-backed loan from Granite State Economic Corporation (GSDC) and Centrix Bank to acquire and renovate the 917 Elm Street location.
Purrista – A Cozy Haven for Coffee Lovers and Cat Enthusiasts in Erie
Dena Rupp’s journey began in Erie, PA, where she graduated with a bachelor’s in graphic art in 2004. She initially worked in customer service at a local printing business, later transitioning to design work. Despite working two jobs, she felt unfulfilled and yearned for more. In 2007, she met Matt, who introduced her to the idea of teaching abroad, sparking a new path for her.
In 2009, Dena moved to South Korea to teach English, leaving behind her jobs, car, apartment, and personal belongings. She taught at a private English school, quickly becoming Head Teacher. This experience boosted her confidence and ignited her entrepreneurial spirit.
Returning to the U.S., Dena moved to Pittsburgh, PA, to start a new chapter in small business. She worked at a bakery and catering business, which eventually closed. After managing a paint studio, she felt drained and returned to Erie in 2014 to heal and regroup.
Back in Erie, Dena took a corporate job for stability and health benefits. Rediscovering her hometown, she saw it through a new lens and felt ready to open her own business.
“It was like I was somewhere new – seeing it through a different lens. Once again, a new adventure awaited,” she shared in an interview with Canvas Rebel.
She added, “It was then that I knew opening up my own business was on the horizon, but I never thought it would be what I ended up doing. Which currently is … owning a cat cafe.”
Dena Rupp’s business, Purrista, located in downtown Erie, offers customers coffee and scratch-made baked goods, along with the opportunity to observe cats at play or schedule visits for animal therapy. Additionally, patrons can adopt cats from the woman-operated Because You Care Animal Shelter in McKean. Rupp aimed to create a meaningful business centered around her love for animals while empowering women.
“I wanted to create a meaningful business with what I love, and animals top that list,” Rupp explained. “And I wanted to empower women at the same time…who would have thought a cat café would bring us women together.”
Dena Rupp’s business, Purrista, located in downtown Erie, offers customers coffee and scratch-made baked goods, along with the opportunity to observe cats at play or schedule visits for animal therapy. Additionally, patrons can adopt cats from the woman-operated Because You Care Animal Shelter in McKean. Rupp aimed to create a meaningful business centered around her love for animals while empowering women.
After years of researching similar cafes in over eight cities, Rupp used her knowledge and design skills to create a special place for both patrons and cats. She designed a cozy, stress-free environment with comfortable seating where visitors can eat, study, or watch the cats play. The café even hosts yoga classes in the cat lounge, where the cats interact with participants.
Rupp was inspired to open a cat café after visiting one in Austin, where a cat named Stanley, sharing the name of her deceased grandfather, approached her. She sought startup assistance from the Gannon University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which provides no-cost counseling and low-cost training for entrepreneurs. Gannon helped her with a business plan, financial projections, and securing a marketing grant, leading to the perfect location for Purrista.
The SBDC’s support was instrumental, and Center Director Maggie Horne believed in Rupp’s concept from the start. In just two years, Purrista has facilitated the adoption of 215 kittens and cats. That’s why Rupp encourages others to step out of their comfort zones and seek help, as Erie has many people willing to assist.
Dr. Kelly Hunt, SBA Western Pa. District Director, praised Rupp for exemplifying the spirit of Women’s History Month by using SBA resources to become a social entrepreneur, helping animals in need while promoting local women-owned businesses.
“I’m so proud she used the SBA’s resource partners like Gannon University to become a social entrepreneur — starting and exceeding in her dual missions of helping animals in need while growing and promoting local women-owned small business, and we need more entrepreneurs like her.”
