Meet Our Entrepreneurs

VertiGreens

Entrepreneur Business Coach: Tova Feinberg 

Owner and Operator: Dennis E. Rodgers

Jason Harrison of LeMays Catering

Owner and operator Christie Robertson

Patty’s Cheesecakes

Patty

Joshua Clanton

Jays Motor Beast & Ribs on Wheels

Brandon Rice

That Black Coffee Truck

Awesome Sauce Food truck

Luke Westbrook

Brandon Smith

Big Boyz Food Truck

Deandre Long

Egg Rollz Food Truck

Kayanna Clark-Downen

Campus & Community Coordinator

Chef Travis “Big T” Williams

Space Shuttle Cafe

Rachel Osden

Stay Pressed Juice Co

Big Meechie

Big Meechie’s

 

Tova Feinberg 

Entrepreneur Business Coach: Tova Feinberg is an entrepreneur and the founder of VertiGreens, a hyper-local urban farming company redefining how cities grow food. With over 14 years in the food and beverage industry, she launched VertiGreens to bring communities closer to fresh, nutrient-dense produce grown right where people live. Her Mobile VertiGreens food truck is launching Spring 2026.

Dennis E. Rodgers

Executive Chef/ Owner and Operator of the brands Soul~Full and D.Rodg World Class Catering with over thirty years of Culinary experience and excellence in various industries within hospitality, and a member of the American Culinary Foundation. A graduate of the Food Truck Apprenticeship program and Executive Catering Chef with Soulcial Kitchen.

Chris Edwards

Chris Edwards, a resilient entrepreneur driven by a passion for BBQ and social change, was inspired by his father’s grilling skills from a young age. Despite a detour into fast money that led to a 12-year prison sentence, he emerged in 2014 determined to honor his father’s memory. After facing job loss due to an injury in 2021, Chris vowed to never return to prison and found a life-changing opportunity when his cousin gifted him a mobile grill. Through dedication and innovation, Chris built a successful BBQ business that not only supported his family but also offered hope and entrepreneurial opportunities to others, aiming to combat recidivism.

Jason Harrison

Jason’s upbringing in a demanding yet loving household, led by his multifaceted parents, instilled in him values of discipline, purpose, and kindness. These values shaped his successful BBQ business ventures, known for inclusivity, community service, and excellence, reflecting the power of faith and hard work.

Willis O Mosby

Willis Mosby is owner operator of Man That’s Good Mobile, a premier food truck serving the St. Louis City and surrounding areas.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Willis attended Cupples grand school, Fanning middle school, Roosevelt high, and studied at Forest Park Community College where he honed his culinary skills. 

While not tall enough to see over the counter, Willis observed his granny Mary Ann cooking and creating memories with food. This is where his love for food began. 
Outside of the food business Willis loves to go on Cruise ships to various places while enjoying the sounds of the ocean. 
Favorite Quote “Food has to be a passion not a pass time”

Christie Robertson

Christi is a proud native of East Saint Louis, Illinois, and youngest of five children and a devoted mother to her daughter, Christin. As the visionary founder and CEO of Soul Burgers, Christi has turned her deep passion for food into a culinary enterprise that’s captured the hearts and taste buds of the St. Louis Metropolitan area. As a proud Black woman entrepreneur, Christi owns and operates Soul Burgers with unwavering pride and determination, embodying her belief that the journey in the culinary industry is both rewarding and irreplaceable. She remains driven by her love for cooking and eagerly anticipates the greatness the future holds. For Christi, food is not just a business—it’s her life, her passion, and her legacy in the making.

 

Patty

Pat Upchurch was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, where faith, family, friends, and fulfillment have always been the guiding pillars of her life. She is the founder and owner of Patty’s Cheesecakes, a St. Louis–based dessert company inspired by her grandmother’s beloved cheesecake recipe. Pat’s grandmother brought joy to every family gathering with her delicious creations, and that same joy lives on through Patty’s Cheesecakes today.

Pat also draws inspiration from her father, a professional chef who taught her how to cook and instilled in her a deep love for bringing people together through food. Patty’s Cheesecakes was born out of Pat’s passion for spreading happiness and honoring the legacies of both her grandmother and father — creating desserts that celebrate family, tradition, and connection.

Pat is married to her loving husband, Ahdon, and together they have a wonderful son, David. In her free time, she enjoys serving others in practical ways — especially by gathering people around a delicious meal and meaningful conversation.

 

Brandon Rice

Brandon Rice is a software developer turned coffee entrepreneur and founder of That Black Coffee Cart in East St. Louis. What began as a community coffee cart has now grown into a full food truck operation, where Brandon blends technology, creativity, and hospitality to fuel great days and connect people through coffee — always with the promise to make your next cup your best cup.

 

Deandre Long

 

Chef Drizzy is a passionate culinary artist hailing from the heart of the Midwest. With a deep appreciation for the region’s rich farming traditions and fresh, seasonal ingredients, he has dedicated his career to creating immaculate dining escapades that celebrate both local flavors and global techniques. As a proud family man, Chef Drizzy believes that food is more than just nourishment—it’s about combining cultures, and creating moments of connection around the table. Whether crafting innovative dishes or showcasing time-honored recipes, his focus remains on delivering a superb experience with every meal.

 

Kayanna Clark-Downen

Kayanna is a local artist and entrepreneur, best known as the owner of Kay’s Caricatures, where she brings creativity and fun to events throughout the Metro East. She combines her artistic talents and passion for community in her role as Campus & Community Coordinator at Soulcial Kitchen, where she oversees vendor coordination, event planning, and creative programming. From family movie nights and live music to markets and special community celebrations, Kayanna is dedicated to making Soulcial Kitchen a vibrant, welcoming destination for families, vendors, and guests across the region.

 

Chef Travis “Big T” Williams

 

Chef Travis Williams, known as Chef Big T, brings a wealth of culinary experience and community spirit to Springfield. A graduate of Southeast High School, Lincoln Land Community College, and Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago, he has built an impressive career that includes serving as Assistant Head Chef at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Indianapolis, owning Butches Walleye & More, and cooking for President Barack Obama at the Illinois State Capitol.
 
His previous food truck, Folky’s Food Vendor, has been featured at major events like the Illinois State Fair, Gus Macker Basketball Tournament, and the BBQ & Blues Festival. Dedicated to giving back, Chef Big T has supported turkey and coat drives, cooked for the Urban League and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and mentored youth. A proud father and licensed food manager, he describes himself as “a God-fearing Christian who helps people.”

 

Rachel Osden

I am Rachel Osden, budding entrepreneur and (soon to be) owner of The Joyful Juice Truck.  I have four passions in life. My faith, my family, sports, and helping others be the healthiest they can be. My mother was very sick my entire upbringing and I had a front row seat to her decline. Nothing gives my heart more joy than watching people succeed in their health journey and bettering their quality of life. I believe I have a purpose in this life and I know I was called to serve others and providing healthy, delicious options for people to enjoy is how I am expressing that belief. 

 

Big Meechie

From an early age, I knew food was my calling. As far back as first grade, I dreamed of becoming a chef, inspired by my aunt who owned a restaurant and my grandmother who lovingly prepared meals for large family gatherings. Their passion for food and community planted the seed that has grown into today’s Big Meechie’s.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I finally had the opportunity to step into my dream. I launched my business through Soulcial Kitchen’s Apprentice Food Truck Program, which equipped me with the skills, tools, and confidence to thrive as an entrepreneur. What started as a food truck has now grown into a catering business, a brick and mortar, and a brand that continues to expand.

Our dedication to bold flavor and unforgettable experiences has earned multiple awards:
– Best Food Truck – Midwest Best of Black Award (July 2024)
– STL Headliner 2025 – 1st Place Best Chef, Best Burger, Best Wings
– STL Headliner 2025 – 2nd Place Best Catering, Best Dining Experience

At Big Meechie’s, food is more than just a meal—it’s culture, family, and celebration on a plate.