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snacks

8 mins read

From Stage to Stove: How Broadway Shaped the Success of Little Pie Company

Arnold Wilkerson’s life took an unexpected yet incredibly fruitful turn when he transitioned from the bright lights of Broadway to the kitchens of Little Pie Company.

As a seasoned actor, Wilkerson had spent years captivating audiences with his performances on stage, but his career took a deliciously creative detour into the world of baking, where he would establish a bakery that has now been a beloved New York staple for over three decades.

In this interview, Wilkerson reflects on the theatrical lessons that shaped his approach to running a bakery and how he continues to infuse passion and creativity into his work after so many years.

From Stage to Stove: A Theatrical Approach to Business

When asked how his experience in theater influenced his approach to baking, Arnold Wilkerson draws clear parallels between the two worlds. “One essential thing they teach in acting school is technique,” he begins. “Sometimes, a stage actor may not truly feel the role they’re given to play. However, the audience must be convinced they’ve seen a great performance. Was it from the heart, or was it from a skilled technician who knew their craft?”

For Wilkerson, the technical discipline and commitment to excellence that acting requires are traits that easily transferred to running a business. He highlights the importance of professionalism—being on time, prepared, and giving one hundred percent to the task at hand. “Fortunately, these are lessons that apply to operating a company as well,” he explains. “We’ve been fortunate to assemble a team of gifted and talented people, including some who have been with us for nearly forty years.”

This sense of dedication is what has allowed Little Pie Company to remain not just a bakery but a symbol of consistency, quality, and passion in New York’s ever-evolving food scene.

Staying Creative After 30 Years in Business

Arnold Wilkerson has been running Little Pie Company for over three decades, yet his passion for baking hasn’t waned. When asked what keeps him inspired after all these years, he reflects on the environment that shaped him. “I come from a background that taught me the importance of being the best at whatever task I was given,” he says. “New York offered me the challenge to explore my imagination, to go forward with my sense of creativity and interest beyond theater.”

The late 1980s saw a culinary revolution in America, with chefs, bakers, and food entrepreneurs elevating familiar, comforting dishes to new heights. Wilkerson was inspired by this movement and found joy in reminding people of the simple pleasures of family-style desserts, like cobblers and pies made with fresh fruit. “Those basic dishes we enjoyed as children could be elevated to new heights,” he explains. “Sharing that experience never grows tiring.”

For Wilkerson, baking became another form of storytelling—one that invokes nostalgia and fosters a connection between past and present.

The Importance of Fresh, Handmade Ingredients

At the heart of Little Pie Company’s philosophy is the commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. In an era where processed foods and automation are prevalent, Wilkerson believes in the power of handmade, artisanal baking. “We live in a time of processed foods and automation. That has its place in life, but when something is made fresh, by hand, the spirit of the person is felt,” he says. “That’s why we hand crimp our crust and use fresh fruit.”

This insistence on craftsmanship ensures that every pie tells its own story—a labor of love from the bakers who carefully prepare it. The handmade touch is what gives Little Pie Company its identity, a quality that Wilkerson and his team take great pride in maintaining.

A Fixture in the Community

For nearly four decades, Little Pie Company has been a cornerstone in its Manhattan neighborhood, not just as a business but as a community hub. Wilkerson has made it a priority to hire local young people, many of whom have grown within the company. “Forty years at the same location has allowed us to hire many of the neighborhood’s young people and help educate them,” he notes. “For many of them, it’s their first job.”

One of those early hires, Danny Garcia, who started as a young employee, is now vice president of Little Pie Company—a testament to the company’s nurturing environment. Additionally, Little Pie Company continues to be an active participant in the local theater district, maintaining its roots in the community that first inspired Wilkerson’s creative journey.

Ensuring Quality Across a Wide Variety of Pies

Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining the high quality of Little Pie Company’s beloved pies, which range from seasonal favorites to year-round classics. Wilkerson’s team works with a rotating menu to highlight regional pies that are true to their origins. “We have a seasonal menu and each month we feature regional pies served around the country,” he says. “For example, in the Summer, we have Fresh Georgia Peach pie, and we make Pumpkin pie during the Fall.”

By focusing on fresh, regional ingredients and a seasonal menu, Wilkerson ensures that each pie is made with care and attention to detail.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Bakers

Wilkerson’s journey from Broadway to baking has been marked by hard work, passion, and dedication, but his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is grounded in practicality. “When you select the type of business you want to go into, make sure there is a market for it,” he advises. “Know your skill set and work with someone who will be as dedicated as you are. Make sure you are prepared to go forward with absolute tunnel vision toward your goal.”

With this simple yet powerful advice, Wilkerson encourages the next generation of bakers and business owners to remain focused, passionate, and disciplined—traits that have certainly served him well in his own remarkable career.

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2 mins read

Wally Amos, Founder of Famous Amos Cookies, Dies at 88

Wally Amos, the charismatic entrepreneur who built a cookie empire with his Famous Amos brand, died Tuesday at his home in Honolulu. He was 88.

Amos died of complications from dementia, his children Shawn and Sarah Amos told The New York Times. The entrepreneur, born in Florida in 1936, founded Famous Amos.

The cookie business, which relied on his aunt’s recipe, launched in 1975 with a single storefront in Los Angeles, California, before quickly expanding into a nationwide brand. By 1981, Famous Amos was a $12 million company, the Times reports.

A pioneer in the gourmet cookie industry, Amos was more than just a businessman. His infectious laugh and love for life were as legendary as his cookies. Famous Amos became synonymous with indulgence and joy, and his death marks the end of an era for countless cookie lovers who grew up with the familiar red, white, and blue packaging.

Before baking became his passion, Amos worked as a talent agent, representing iconic artists. But it was his aunt’s chocolate chip cookie recipe that would change his life. With a $25,000 loan from friends, he opened the first Famous Amos store in Los Angeles. His cookies, with their signature oversized chips and rich flavor, quickly became a sensation.

Despite initial success, the business landscape evolved. Facing increasing competition and financial challenges, Amos made the difficult decision to sell a controlling interest in Famous Amos in the 1980s. Eventually, he parted ways with the company entirely.

Beyond his business ventures, Amos was a philanthropist and a strong advocate for literacy. He founded the Chip & Cookie Read Aloud Foundation to promote reading among children.

Amos is survived by his wife, Christine, and their four children. His legacy as a visionary entrepreneur and a beloved figure will continue to inspire generations to come.

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2 mins read

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses You Should Know

Walmart’s recent attempt to commercialize Juneteenth with a new ice cream flavor backfired.

Their “Celebration Edition: Juneteenth Ice Cream,” was met with outrage and has sparked a backlash from many on social media.

Juneteenth ice cream found in a Walmart store in North Carolina.

The company has now pulled the product from its shelves and issued an apology. However, don’t worry, they still have several other Juneteenth related items for sale including the “It’s the freedom for me,” can cooler :/

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

This is a great time to remind all that there are several Black-owned ice cream businesses that we can support, starting with Creamalicious, the brand that originally created the swirled red velvet and cheesecake flavor that Walmart used for its own version.

Black-Owned Ice Cream Businesses

Creamalicious Ice Creams (Nationwide)

Mikey Likes It (New York, NY)

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

Here’s The Scoop DC (Washington D.C.)

Here's The Scoop Delivery & Takeout | 2824 Georgia Avenue Northwest Washington | Menu & Prices | DoorDash

JD’s Vegan (Select locations nationwide)

JD's Vegan - Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert

 

Taharka Bros. Ice Cream (Baltimore, MD)

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

Earthy Goodness Vegan (Houston, TX)

black owned ice cream businesses

Ari’s Ice Cream Parlor & Cafe (St. Louis, MO)

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

Little Giant Ice Cream (Oakland, CA )

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Ruby Scoops Ice Cream & Sweets (Richmond, VA )

HOME | Ruby Scoops

Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats (Alexandria, VA)

 

Whipped Urban Dessert Lab (New York, NY)

 

Lil’ Ice Cream Dude’s Cool World Ice Cream Shop (Athens, GA)

Cajou Creamery (Baltimore, MD)

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

Kubé (Oakland, CA)

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

Double Dipper Ice Cream (Claymont, DE)

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

Ice Cream 504 (New Orleans, LA)

 

Tipping Cow (Somerville, MA)

Black Owned Ice Cream Businesses

 

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2 mins read

Black Owned Vegan Dessert Brand Invests $1.3 Million to Keep Up With Demand

Freaks of Nature is a Black owned Vegan dessert brand based in the UK. Peter Ahye launched Freaks of Nature in 2016 after identifying a gap in the market for inclusive, delicious tasting vegan and vegetarian snacks.

In January of 2020, the company launched a new chocolate mousse product and the demand far exceeded their expectations. Sales soared by 200% in three weeks and have been strong since then.

black owned vegan dessert
Peter Ahye

The company is now investing £1 million ($1.3 million) to expand its manufacturing capacity due to the growing demand for its vegan desserts. They also have plans to build a second production line and invest in larger, more eco-friendly equipment with the goal of increasing production capacity by 400 percent.

black owned vegan dessert

“This investment is very exciting and marks a significant turning point in our business,” Freaks of Nature founder Peter Ahye told Foodmanufacture UK. “In the first quarter of this year our production volumes were up by 100 percent, despite being held back by COVID-19, and strong indications show they are set to continue.”

black owned vegan dessert

“We had a fantastic year last year developing a number of great new puds, growing our production capacity and attracting some significant new retailers. We also won a number of leading industry accolades including The Grocers Best Start Up award. Following the really positive interest we have already received for our new mousse and the unstoppable rise in veganism we’re seeing here in the UK, I think this next year is going to be an even more exciting one for us!”

black owned vegan dessert

All of Freaks of Nature’s desserts are produced in its purpose-built facility which is British Retail Consortium (BRC) grade A accredited and is the largest factory of its kind in Europe.

 

-Tony O. Lawson

 

Related: Black Owned Snack Brands You Should Know


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3 mins read

Black Owned Snack Brands That Can Replace Junk Food

Black owned snack brands are making a huge impact in the health and wellness industry, offering delicious and nutritious options for snack lovers. We’ve put together a list of some amazing brands that are worth trying.

Black Owned Snack Brands

Major’s Project Pop

Major’s Project Pop offers a fresh take on kettle corn using carefully-selected organic ingredients, including a bold virgin coconut oil that lingers on your palate.

Symphony Chips

Symphony Chips, a harmonious blend of deliciously seasoned chips guaranteed to leave you wanting more. GMO-free | Gluten-free | Guilt-free.

Funky Mello

black owned snack brands

Funky Mello marshmallow cremes are amazingly light and satisfyingly sweet. The vanilla, strawberry, and cookie flavors are delicious and rich.

Pipcorn Heirloom Snacks

Pipcorn offers four lines of ancient grain based (heirloomsnacks, Heirloom Popcorn, Heirloom Cheese Balls, Heirloom Corn Dippers, and Heirloom Crunchies that are whole grain, gluten-free and Non-GMO Project Verified.

Chikas Foods 

Black Owned Snack Brands

Chika’s is on a mission to bring natural ingredients and taste sensations from Africa to both food lovers and the health conscious alike.

Oh Mazing Food

Black Owned Snack Brands

Oh-Mazing! crafts gourmet granola with unique flavors that will make your taste buds sing!

Partake Foods

Partake offers offers delicious, allergy-friendly cookies, baking mixes, and pancake & waffle mixes that are certified gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and free of the top 9 allergens.

It’s Nola

black owned snack brands

It’s Nola creates chewy granola bites using ordinary ingredients to make an extraordinary snacking experience.

Mawa’s GrainFreeNola

Mawa’s GrainFreeNola offers delicious gluten-free, protein-rich and Vegan GrainFreeNola filled with the highest quality organic nuts and seeds sweetened with Medjool dates.

Cajou Creamery

Cajou Creamery uses a few, responsibly-sourced, nutrient-rich ingredients to churn out flavors into luxurious, creamy, dairy-free ice cream.

Teranga

TERANGA is on a mission to create refreshing and healthy prepared foods, snacks, frozen treats and drinks handcrafted in small batches using baobab and other unique ingredients from around the world.

Azzizah’s Herbal Green Popcorn

Black Owned Snack Brands

Azzizah’s Herbal Green Popcorn is an organic, air-popped snack that is universally tempting, satisfying, nourishing, and of course, tasty and crave-able.

Eat Power Snacks

black owned snack brands

Dad-Made, Kid-Approved. A snack that parents can feel good about their kids eatingEnergy With a Crunch. Packed with the nutrients you need.


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1 min read

Black Owned Packaged Food Brands

Do you need a pantry refresh that nourishes your taste buds and supports Black entrepreneurs? Look no further than these Black owned packaged food brands.

From traditional comfort foods with a twist to globally-inspired delights, these brands offer a delicious adventure for your palate and a conscious choice for your conscience.

So, ditch the ordinary and dive into a world where every meal becomes a celebration of culinary diversity and community.

Black Owned Packaged Food

West Food Brands

Blanket Pancakes & Syrup

Mama Biscuits

Vicky Cakes

Iya Foods 

Black Owned Packaged Food

Michele Foods

Black Owned Packaged Food

A Dozen Cousins

Black Owned Packaged Food

Berhan Grains

Neilly’s Foods 

May be an image of couscous, chow mein, fried rice, biryani and text

Yolélé Foods 

Egunsi Foods

Black Owned Packaged Food

 

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1 min read

Black Owned Non Alcoholic Beverage and Juice Brands You Should Know

The global non-alcoholic beverage market size was valued at $967.3 billion in 2016. It is expected to reach $1189.10 billion in 2023. Here are some Black-owned beverage brands to support.

Black Owned Beverage Brands

Turmeric Magic is a line of a health-enhancing, delicious beverages made with real ingredients for the busy active individual who want a healthy lifestyle and want something convenient that tastes great and provides real health benefits.

black owned beverage

Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel

2T Water

Liquid Hydration

Teranga Juice

Me & The Bee Lemonade

Black Owned Beverage Brands

Ellis Island Tea

Black Owned Beverage

J.I.V.E Juice

Spicegrove

black owned beverage

 


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11 mins read

Two Sisters Created the Only Luxury Chocolate Brand Made in Africa

Although West African countries produce over seventy percent of the world’s cocoa, I’ll bet you can’t name one African chocolate brand. Why? Because most of the Continent’s cocoa is exported to foreign countries that produce their own brands.

Fortunately, there are now African chocolate makers getting into the game. Meet sisters, Priscilla and Kimberly Addison. They are the founders of 57 Chocolate, a Ghanaian made chocolate brand.

Priscilla and Kimberly Addison, Founders of 57 Chocolate

SB: What inspired you to start 57 Chocolate and what does the name mean?

57C: Having spent time living in Geneva, Switzerland, we thought it was strange that Switzerland is known for its chocolate but yet doesn’t grow cocoa, the core ingredient in chocolate. Meanwhile, Ghana is the second largest producer of cocoa but produces very little chocolate itself. We saw a vast need for the manufacturing of chocolate in Ghana and across the continent of Africa.

In Ghana, the candy shelves of supermarkets and malls are overflowing with foreign chocolate bars, many undoubtedly made with Ghana’s very own cocoa. Having recognized all this, we were determined to use Ghanaian cocoa to create a Ghanaian brand of chocolate that is reputable locally and internationally. Chocolate really piqued our interest because it allows us a lot of creativity.

We get to experiment with different factors such as how dark to roast the beans, the percentage of cocoa to include, and creating different flavors and parings (e.g. sea salt, coconut shavings etc). We also love chocolate because it really is a healthy treat if you choose chocolate that is high in cocoa content.

The name ‘57 is short for 1957—the year of Ghana’s independence. 1957 was a revolutionary year for the country, not only because it was freed from colonial rule, but it is the year that gave birth to the nation’s “can do” spirit. The name ‘57 is meant to inspire a reawakening of Ghana’s 1957 “can do” spirit.

It is a call and reminder that sometimes in order to go forward, we need to look back at our foundation—our roots. ‘57 Chocolate aims to inspire the people of Ghana, especially the youth to create and develop made in Ghana high quality products.

SB: What has been the most challenging and the most fulfilling part of your entrepreneurial journey so far?

57C: A major challenge for us with starting the business was dumsor– a popular Ghanaian word used to describe the unpredictable power outages. Ghana has been undergoing a power crisis and our business requires a study supply of electricity in order to produce and store our chocolate, since it is made from the cocoa bean to the chocolate bar.

The most fulfilling part of our journey is seeing the joy our chocolate brings to our clients, and knowing that we are adding value to a resource right at home. Many people thought this would be impossible to achieve. Additionally, it’s the support and encouragement that we’ve received from near and far. We have received several inquiries about investments and whether we ship our chocolate abroad.  

 

SB: How important is it to you that African countries manufacture more products instead of importing?

57C: We believe manufacturing is crucial for the growth and survival of any economy. There is a vast need for manufacturing in Ghana and across the continent of Africa. Ghana is the second largest producer of cocoa on the African continent but, very little value is added to the bean itself. We think it’s time to change this narrative.

SB: What are some the different flavors that you produce that are unique to your brand? 

57C: Currently, we have 6 signature chocolates: dark (2 kinds including 88 percent baobab and 73 percent dark chocolate), milk, white, mocha latte (coffee flavor) and bissap (hibiscus flavor) chocolate. We pair our chocolates with various ingredients like coconut and sea salt.

Other services we provide include catering for events and chocolate pairings/tastings for groups (a minimum of 6 people). 

SB: How important is it that your branding was is on point from the design of the chocolate to the packaging?

57C: Branding from start to finish is incredibly important to us, given that we aim to challenge the status quo of luxury chocolate being only a product of Europe. What is most unique about our brand is that we produce chocolate that is a reflection and celebration of Ghanaian art and culture, particularly through our Adinkra bars.

These bite-sized bars are beautifully engraved with visual symbols created by the Ashanti of Ghana. We have a collection of 12 different Adinkra symbols, each representing a concept or a particular meaning such as leadership, beauty, humility, strength, and resourcefulness. We will be adding more concepts to our collection in the coming year.

SB: You’ve lived in multiple countries around the world. In what ways has this influence your brand?

57C: Our brand has certainly been influenced by the places we’ve been lucky to call home. Living in Switzerland—(one of the country’s most known for its chocolate) we had the opportunity to sample a lot of quality chocolate and so we wanted to create a brand that also exuded excellence.

Our return to Ghana was simply a re-awakening of the need to manufacture chocolate from bean to bar—right at home. The Adinkra chocolates we offer pay homage to our Ghanaian roots.’57 Chocolate is more than just chocolate. It’s about art and culture. This aspect is reflected in everything we do and our brand as a whole.

Living in multiple countries has also influenced our chocolate flavors. For example, having grown up in Dakar, Senegal we drank Bissap (a drink made from hibiscus leaves) often.  It was truly a treat for us and our three older siblings. It was always in our fridge and a fresh batch never lasted more than 3 days.

For years we watched our mom steep copious amounts of hibiscus leaves in hot water with cloves, sieve and mix in sugar, vanilla, homemade ginger and pineapple juice. We wanted to somehow recreate this tangy but fruity taste from our childhood and pay tribute to this drink that cherished around the world. Bissap is also enjoyed in Ghana, but it’s more popularly known as sobolo.

It is always eye-opening going into a local mall or grocery store here in Ghana and seeing that 99.9 percent of the goods sold are imported.  Foreign soaps, fruits, dog food, juices, chocolate, tomatoes, flour, sugar, and even toothpicks (to name a few) flood the aisles of Ghana’s supermarkets. The country imports goods that its people can either grow or manufacture.

It is known that Ghana primarily exports its resources in its rawest forms–the cocoa bean is a perfect example. We believe in adding value to our local resources by processing and manufacturing them into finished goods. We also believe in patronizing and purchasing other locally made goods and products when we can.  

When people manufacture or purchase locally made goods, we are helping Ghana’s economy grow. Our hope to one day walk into Ghana’s supermarkets and see high quality made in Ghana goods dominating the aisles.

SB: Where do you see your company in 5 years?

57C: We will continue to provide high-quality products that reflect Ghanaian art and culture to our customers. We also plan to continue to create gainful job opportunities as we expand our operations.

SB: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

57C: It is important to know and understand the factors that can either benefit or hurt the operations of your business. There is a saying that goes: knowing your customer is paramount for business success. While this is true, we also believe knowing the business climate—where you work is of equal importance.


Also, we believe it is a great time to be in Africa. Africans and Africans in the Diaspora are showing the world that the continent has an incredible amount of potential, worth, and creativity.

Entrepreneurs, change-makers, and bloggers are writing a positive narrative for the continent—contrary to how the global media normally portrays the continent (e.g. typical depictions of abject poverty and civil war). We encourage African youth to actively participate in contributing to this positive narrative.

For a complete list of 57 Chocolate products and to book a tasting, visit their website.  

 

-Tony Oluwatoyin Lawson