Culinary Innovator & Plant-Based Advocate

Chef Ryan Jennings is the CEO and Co-Founder of Sweet Pea Plant-Based Kitchen, Rochester’s premier chef-prepared, whole food, plant-based meal delivery and co-packing company. With a culinary degree from The French Culinary Institute, Ryan has transitioned from leading fine dining establishments like Rio Bamba and Max Rochester to pioneering accessible, oil-free, and nutrient-dense meals for the community.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Chef Ryan hosts the cooking show Plant Powered with Chef Ryan on Eat This TV, where he showcases flavorful, health-conscious dishes. He also engages audiences through his podcast, Shelling Peas: A Plant-Powered Podcast with Chef Ryan Jennings, where he highlights stories from the plant-based movement—including conversations with local vegan entrepreneurs like Ali Lawrence of Spirit and Abundance and Keith McCullough of Junebar.

Chef Ryan’s commitment to plant-based nutrition and sustainable eating continues to inspire many, making him a prominent advocate for healthier lifestyles through culinary excellence.

Catch Chef Ryan Jennings at Rochester VegFest 2025

🍽️ 1:00–1:45 PM – Live Culinary Demo at the Food Demo Tent
🎤 3:30 PM – Moderator of the Rochester Vegan Entrepreneurs Panel at the Speaker Tent

Join Chef Ryan for a flavorful food demo and stick around as he moderates our panel of inspiring local vegan business owners—drawing on his podcast experience and firsthand knowledge as a plant-based innovator in the region.

For more information and to explore his culinary offerings, visit sweetpeaplantbased.com or follow him on Instagram at @plantpoweredwithchefryan.