Give STL Day is coming, and it helps us assist credit-building classes and individuals like Jessica and Ebony
Number 372 April 17, 2026 St. Louis
Changing the Way St. Louis Eats: Redbird Vegan’s Journey
photo courtesy of Facebook
Jessica Johnson, Founder and CEO of Redbird Vegan, is on a mission to change the way her community experiences food. Alongside her business partner, Ebony Caffey, Co-Founder and CFO, she is building something far bigger than a restaurant. Redbird Vegan is a reflection of purpose, creativity, and a deep commitment to wellness in St. Louis.
What started as an idea back in 2016 has grown into a vision that is nearly a decade in the making. Jessica describes Redbird Vegan as her life and love journey. She saw a gap in her community and wanted to offer something different. In a world where people often eat whatever is convenient, she wanted to create food that nourishes both the body and the spirit.
Redbird Vegan is redefining vegan fast food in Missouri by combining soulful, flavorful, and health-conscious meals with a modern cloud kitchen model. Their menu features everything from plant-based burgers, wraps, and bowls to desserts, shakes, and seasonal specialties. Beyond food, the brand brings together art, books, and merchandise to create a full cultural experience centered on healing and creativity.
The journey has not been easy. Like many entrepreneurs, Jessica faced challenges along the way, but her persistence never wavered. In September of last year, Ebony approached her with a business proposition. Jessica saw an opportunity for something greater and invited Ebony to build alongside her as a true partner. Together, they committed to breaking every barrier and growing the business side by side.
Their path led them to Justine PETERSEN through a referral from board president Rochelle Bea. From the beginning, they found more than just financial support. They found a partner who believed in their vision. Jessica and Ebony credit Justine PETERSEN for being patient, supportive, and present through every step of their journey. They often encourage other entrepreneurs to take that same step, knowing they will have a team that truly walks with them.
Looking ahead, Redbird Vegan has bold plans. With products already reaching customers through grab-and-go options at Dierbergs, the brand continues to expand its reach. Their long-term vision is to become Missouri’s leading plant-based fast-food brand, with plans for a full-service storefront and grocery distribution.
Photo courtesy of Dierbergs
That vision becomes even more real on May 4, 2026, when Redbird Vegan opens the doors to its new space on Hampton Avenue in St. Louis. It marks a major milestone in a journey built on passion, resilience, and community.
Jessica and Ebony’s advice to others is simple but powerful. Never give up. No is not an option. There will always be obstacles, but with the right people in your corner, those challenges can be overcome.
Redbird Vegan is more than a business. It is a movement rooted in purpose, proving that with vision, determination, and the right support, anything is possible.
Give STL Day: Start the Next Success Story This Give STL Day!
What Give STL Day Means to Justine PETERSEN
Give STL Day is more than a day of giving; it’s a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together as a community.
At Justine PETERSEN and Great Rivers Community Capital, our mission is rooted in creating access—access to credit, access to capital, and access to opportunity. Every day, we work alongside individuals and entrepreneurs who are building better futures for themselves and their families. Give STL Day allows us to expand that impact.
This year, Give STL Day is especially meaningful as we focus on welcoming first-time donors into our community. Every first gift represents more than a donation—it reflects someone choosing to believe in the power of financial stability, small-business growth, and equitable opportunity.
Whether it’s helping someone improve their credit, supporting a small business owner in launching their dream, or providing resources that strengthen entire neighborhoods, every contribution moves this work forward.
Give STL Day reminds us that lasting change doesn’t happen alone. It happens when individuals come together—each gift, each share, and each new supporter building momentum toward a stronger, more inclusive community.
At Justine PETERSEN, we are grateful for every donor, especially those taking that first step. Because when one person gives, it opens the door for another to thrive.
Level Up St. Louis: Small Business Growth Event
Join us for an experience designed to bring small business owners together to connect, learn, and grow. Through actionable insights, meaningful conversations, and real-world tools, you’ll gain what you need to move your business forward with confidence.
The Details –
Date: Saturday, May 30th, 2026
Time: @9:30 A.M.
Location: St. Louis County Library – Clark Family Branch
Registration: https://luma.com/y8je4163
Not yet part of the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform? Join for free to get started on growing your business before the event!
https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/partner-brit-and-co
Looking for Space to Work or Host Your Next Event?
If you’re searching for a flexible workspace or the perfect place to host your next event, Elevator St. Louis is designed with you in mind.
Built to support entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creatives, Elevator offers a unique blend of coworking, office, and warehouse space—all within a community-focused environment. Whether you need room to grow your business, collaborate with others, or host a professional gathering, Elevator provides the tools and space to make it happen.
Join us for our first in-person Lunch & Learn on May 14, 2026, and experience the space for yourself while connecting with fellow business owners and professionals.
Photo courtesy of elevatorspaces.com: Elevator event space and kitchen
At Elevator, success isn’t built alone. It is built in the community. To learn more, go to Elevator Spaces St. Louis
If you have any questions, contact Yolanda Nelson: ynelson@justinepetersen.org
To register, go to bit.ly/47UqgEZ
Upcoming Events
Grow Your Business This Year!
Join the free Lunch-and-Learn Series brought to you by efactory and Missouri State University
We’re excited to share that the Show-Me Network, in partnership with Justine PETERSEN, is launching a yearlong series of FREE virtual Lunch-and-Learns for entrepreneurs and small business owners across Missouri.
These no-cost sessions will provide practical guidance on funding, credit, financial management, and business growth—designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are and help them move forward with confidence.
⏰ All sessions are held online from Noon–1 p.m. (CT)
💻 Open to all Missouri entrepreneurs at no cost
Register Today!
All sessions are free and open to the public.
View the full calendar and register here:
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical tools, expert insight, and connections that support your business growth in 2026.
Lunch and Learn with Desiree Friedman
Scan the QR Code or click HERE to register today!
JP Family Corner
Ignite Illinois: Empowering Small Business Owners in Southern Illinois!
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA