The JP UP Date: Buena Vista National Bank Invests $250K

Justine PETERSEN client Dennis Stotler found his inspiration in a most unlikely place: from a random stranger in an aisle at the grocery store. The woman he was in the aisle with was discussing how she could never find diabetic-friendly products that actually tasted good. As a chef, but not completely familiar with diabetic dietary restrictions, Dennis prodded the woman about what her typical food preferences were and how she wasn’t finding them in the products available given her restrictions. He immediately felt he could make a product that both tasted great and fit her needs, to which she informed him that if true he would have customers lining up. So Dennis got to work, spending months researching both about the disease and buying other diabetic products out there to taste for himself. With a number of family recipes on hand from his Italian side, he knew he had to combine his dream of sharing those with others to also help diabetic patients, because not only did he agree with the woman he met at the grocery store – the products did not taste great – but he wanted to help patients suffering with this terrible disease.

Most familiar with being in the kitchen, making delicious and healthy sauces was the easy part. The unexpected difficulties came in the way of working [and waiting] for FDA approval, and navigating getting his product on shelves through a pandemic. Dennis lived by his four key words though: “Determination. Persistence. Commitment. Desire.” After being turned down by banks, Dennis secured a small business microloan from JP in late February. His FDA approved products, under the brand GrandMa Rose Homemade Italian Sauces, are currently in locations throughout the Greater St. Louis Area: DiGregorio’s on The Hill, Vitale’s on The Hill, Viviano’s in Fenton, AG Market in Cedar Hill, Maw Maw’s in Warrenton, Hanny’s in Wright City, with plans in the work for deals with a major hospital group, national retailers, and other local favorite sto refronts. The only thing Dennis is missing: a few words of gratitude he would like to make in-person. “I wish my parents were still here to see the success I’m experiencing with this. My stepdad is who inspired me to get into cooking in the first place. I know he and my mom were responsible in helping me persevere through this experience. And I hope one day I run into that woman from the grocery store and thank her for inspiring me.”

Dennis’s sauces have quickly become a favorite with our team, and we hope everyone will give it a try. Look for the label pictured at any of the locations mentioned! Dennis is also looking to grow his team; if interested in learning more about those opportunities or his products you can contact him at stlsauceman@gmail.com.