The BusinessMakers Overtime - Week of June 15, 2011: Good Food & Good Deeds

Episode 098 originally broadcast on June 15, 2011

Katie and Esther bring you enthusiasm and inspiration in the world of entrepreneurism. We’ll hear from restauranteur Martin Berson, and talk about a group of New York artists who saved a neighborhood shop owner. Oh, and you’ll LOVE our new Links of the Week. (“You know what doesn’t make me grouchy? Grilled cheese!”)

Revolution & Crunchy Cheese

Katie and Esther are broadcasting from Snap Kitchen, a grab-n-go on Kirby Dr. In the news this week: Vodafone Eqypt is taking credit for the Egyptian Revolution; did they really inspire a revolution? When Cisco purchased Flip Video, it resulted in a whole new fusion of food and technology and the launch of a chain of grilled cheese sandwich shops. (Katie is beside herself!) And what’s new on the Internet? We have new Links of the Week. (“You know what doesn’t make me grouchy? Grilled cheese!”)

Martin Berson - Snap Kitchen

Katie & Esther interview Martin Berson, founder and chief grass roots officer of Snap Kitchen, a healthy grab-n-go restaurant concept that offers nutrition, portion control and fresh ingredients custom-prepared and packaged for ease of use. Berson, a well-known Houston restauranteur, believes it’s the company’s transparency—through labeling, use of local ingredients, and in its cooking and packaging process—that sets it apart. (“We’re making it easy for people to eat better.”)

It’s All About Karma

When a group of New York artists heard that a beloved neighborhood entrepreneur was in danger of losing his business, they bought the entire contents of Hercules’ Fancy Grocery Store in New York City. Katie and Esther discuss how the artists then repurposed the contents of the store as art and resold the items at ridiculously high prices. It took six hours to completely empty the little bodega and Hercules cashed-out of his operation. (“What is it about certain businesses that would make a person so passionate?”)