Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Tanner. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Cincinnati-based chef Andy Tanner has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. Andy has worked for many fine dining establishments in Cincinnati, including Jeff Ruby’s, David Falk’s Sotto & Boca, and Jose Salazar’s Mita’s. His love and passion for locally sourced ingredients and bold flavors were featured in signature dishes inspired by European cuisine.
“From an early age, I have always connected myself with cooking. The art of cooking, the action of giving something to someone to enjoy, and the gratification of someone smiling from ear to ear when they are finished.”
Parisian Pantry provides top-quality easily accessible food products to customers in retail formats to enjoy at their convenience. Utilizing classic technique, the focus is to elevate a plate with local ingredients through a creative & curated process.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business from the ground up sounded lovely until we began to unpack every step and dig into greater detail. Opening a food retail business is like a creative can of worms. Upon breaking open each topic, I found myself going down a rabbit hole until forcing myself to land on something.
Since the beginning and still to this day, I tell myself, “You have to land on something, or it’ll never come to fruition. We can always change things as we go, but this is a jump in the deep end kind of business.”
The company is new to the city, opening and launching to the market at the beginning of July at the height of the summer. We are slowly navigating where products work and where they don’t work.
There’s no textbook way to start a retail business, a lot of red tape, and a bit of a waiting game. Throughout the process, I’ve found the amount of paperwork and registration needed to be overwhelming. It was hard to know what was needed until asking the right questions. I just began chipping away until crossing the finish line.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Parisian Pantry Co.?
Parisian Pantry provides top-quality easily accessible food products to customers in retail formats to enjoy at their convenience. Utilizing classic technique, the focus is to elevate a plate with local ingredients through a creative & curated process.
Fresh Ingredients | Classic Technique
Parisian Pantry Co. was born out of utilizing the classic techniques learned over 20+ years in the restaurant industry. We aim to curate top-tier products with the best ingredients. We work through the process of sourcing the right ingredients, whether it be from the local farmer or sourced from around the world. All products offered are curated in small batch forms. Everything is done by hand with the help of some commercial kitchen equipment.
Currently, in our portfolio of products, we offer Roasted Garlic Butter, which has easily become a staple, and a Black Truffle Butter, which is seasonal and will rotate throughout the year as truffles change. Both products are spreadable right out of the fridge. No need to temper; pull your favorite flavor out and spread or cook with them right away!
Parisian Pantry will continue to evolve and expand into additional offerings. We are currently working on a Compound Butter Medallion that will come to market soon. In the works is a new product line outside of butter that will take shape in the near future!
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
For years, when I cooked professionally in restaurants, I had the ability to finish a plate and send it out to a guest to enjoy. I always had the option to go out and visit with that guest to see how they enjoyed everything. That was a big reason why I cooked professionally. The ability to blow a guest away with amazing food to enjoy.
This time around, as a food retailer, I don’t always get to see that “end customer.” So, it’s been a challenge I’ve had to get creative with. I’ve scheduled time to go into local shops and spend more time with the retail shop owners; offering tastings and getting to know their customer base allows me to tap into their vision and how I can make an impact.
Pricing:
- Roasted Garlic Butter – $12
- Black Truffle Butter – $14
Contact Info:
- Instagram: parisian_pantry_co
