Small Business: Grass-Fed Productions makes Paleo-inspired foods
By Vanessa Infanzon
Ann Jacks, 47, opened Grass-Fed Productions last October. Her experience as a sous chef in Philadelphia prepared her for the work she does now making Paleo-inspired foods.
Jacks uses the kitchen at Berrybrook Farm when it is closed. She makes butter, bone broth, kale chips, organic wheat and gluten-free crackers, ghee and farmer’s cheese. Prices range from $3.65 for ¼ lb of local grass-fed cultured butter to $9.25 for 8 ounces of ghee, a good-tasting, dairy-free product used like cooking oil.
Jacks carefully selects ingredients from local growers like Two Moons Family Farm, The Farm at Dover Vineyards, Urban Gourmet Mushrooms and Midwood Hill Apiary.
Ann Jacks answers C5’s questions for the Small Business series:
(1) How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I tasted Duchess Dairies cream last summer and it was [my] first experience with grass-fed cream. Literally, I could taste the meadow in the cream. So I started churning my own cream into butter because it was so delicious.
Out of the blue last August, I thought, ‘I can’t be the only one who wants local cultured grass fed butter.’
(2) What draws clients to your business?
People who are familiar with grass-fed products, the Paleo diet and eating healthfully find me. People who are curious try my products. I sometimes hear people say, ‘I didn’t know butter could taste so good.’
Of the sweetened butters, I have been told that some people eat it like ice cream.
(3) What drives you?
I have always had the need to create, and I am not artistic. I started cooking at 15 and found my creative outlet. As a nutritional consultant, I am able to combine the healthful with the creative.
(4) What has been your biggest obstacle?
Finding affordable commercial kitchen space is hard. Usually there is an annual fee plus an hourly rate.
(5) How do you finish your day?
I have some of my farmer’s cheese with local honey and sea salt. I chill out in front of Netflix for an hour.
Find Grass-Fed Productions at one of these local markets:
Wednesdays – Highland Creek Farmer’s Market (107 S. Tryon St.) Golf Club parking lot, 4-7 p.m.
Saturdays – NoDa’s Farmer’s Market, Corner of 36th and Alexander, 8 a.m.-Noon and Atherton Farmer’s Market, 140 South Blvd, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
If you can’t wait for a farmer’s market, Orrman’s Cheese Shop at 7th Street Station, Earl’s Grocery, The Company Store, Berrybrook Farm and Queen City Pantry at Atherton Mill carry Jacks’ creations.
Family history and my own fascination with people and their motivations prompted me to begin this series about Charlotte’s small business owners. Industry, situation and questions will vary. Have a suggestion for a small business owner or entrepreneur to interview? Email it to vanessainfanzon@gmail.comwith the subject line “Small Business Series.”
