Sourced, Stirred, & Served Locally

BAKER | KATHY SING

kathy's kernals

Lifestyle: What inspired you to start Kathy’s Kernels?

Kathy: Several things inspired me to start Kathy’s Kernels. A little background—I became a licensed Cottage Food Operator in 2014, originally making gourmet caramel corn from my home kitchen until selling that division in 2024. The main catalyst was my youngest son, Kevin, who asked me what I could make and sell. We landed on caramel corn since no one else was doing it in the area. While I now make other treats, crispy rice treats are my primary focus.

LS: What’s the key to the perfect rice crispy treat?

K: Without giving away all my secrets—salt is key to balancing the sweetness of the marshmallows. Browning the butter and, of course, lots of love goes into each one.

LS: Biggest mistake beginners make?

K: Trying to do too much at once. I focused solely on caramel corn for three years before adding anything new. Mastering one product first helps you refine it, build a following, and establish your brand. Once people know and trust your product, you can gradually introduce new items and learn what sells best.

LS: Most unexpected ingredient that takes rice crispy treats to the next level?

K: Coconut oil!

LS: Favorite way to enjoy them (besides the classic squares!)?

K: Fresh out of the bowl—warm and gooey! I typically make 3x3x2-inch squares, but they can also be molded into cake pop-style balls and dipped in chocolate and sprinkles—kids love them! Bite-sized pieces on sticks make great wedding or shower favors, and fun molds with a chocolate layer and sprinkles add a creative touch. So many flavors and variations make the classic crispy treat even more fun!

COFFEE ROASTER | JON + GREG

component coffee

Lifestyle:What makes a great cup of coffee?

Greg: Greatness = equity. A great cup cannot go without ethical sourcing; producers at origin deserve a fair wage. Next- much like a fine wine, growing conditions of the varietals, cultivation, harvesting, and processing through milling and drying. Roasting the coffee breaks down the chemistry of the bean and unlocks all that inherent flavor, and if done just right, can yield some amazing flavor compounds. Your environment can also really make or break the way you experience said flavors.

Lifestyle:#1 mistake people make with home espresso?

Greg: Trying to do too much at once. I focused solely on caramel corn for three years before adding anything new. Mastering one product first helps you refine it, build a following, and establish your brand. Once people know and trust your product, you can gradually introduce new items and learn what sells best.

Lifestyle:If you could only drink one coffee origin forever?

Greg: Ethiopia Guji Washed 5ever.

Lifestyle:An underrated brewing method?

Greg: That old french press you have collecting dust in the top cupboard with your Nalgene from 2012. It's amazing what you can get with such a simple device when you focus on grind size, temperature, time, and ratio of coffee to water.

Lifestyle:Best coffee + food pairing?

Greg: Many core memories were created over a brewed coffee and an everything bagel, covered with cream cheese and himalayan salt.

VODKA | MAJOR ROGERS

lake bottom

Lifestyle:What inspired the creation of Bulldog Bread Collective Vodka?

Major: Partner Craig Hartman is a Bulldog fan to the bone. He gives generously from his own pocket each year to benefit the University. He wanted to create something that people across the Valley could enjoy while also supporting the Dogs. As an alum of the University myself, I’m excited about the potential this endeavor brings.

Lifestyle:Why choose grapes as the base for this vodka?

Major: Here’s the deal—if grapes could grow everywhere, the world would make vodka from them. But grapes can only be grown regionally, which limits their use. California has the ability to grow premium grapes, allowing us to produce a world-class vodka from them.

Lifestyle:How does each bottle support Fresno State studentathletes?

Major: We researched what a fair donation from each bottle sold would be. Industry and collective suggestions ranged from $0.50 to $1.50 per bottle. We chose to donate $3.00 per bottle back to the NIL, because our goal is to elevate Fresno State—before profit.

Lifestyle:What’s the best way to enjoy Bulldog Bread Collective Vodka?

Major: Typically, only a spirit aficionado would consider drinking vodka neat. We’ve changed that. It’s incredibly smooth and glutenfree. Try it on the rocks for a quick pick-me-up or enjoy it in your favorite mixed drink or cocktail.

Lifestyle:Any future collaborations or products in the pipeline?

Major: Yes! Locally, Bueno Beverage has signed on to be the exclusive distributor in Tulare and Kings County. Thanks to this opportunity, we’re excited to develop and produce other alcohol options for the Valley. Gin—which is experiencing a cocktail comeback—is next on our list, along with moonshine and more to follow.