DARE
S3E18 Toby Roberts | From Restaurant Legend to Culinary Startup: Thaan Charcoal
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Toby Roberts combines his restaurant experience with sustainable practices to create high-quality charcoal products.
- Live fire cooking enhances the flavor of food and is a communal experience that brings people together.
- The Ton Grill is designed specifically for chefs but is also great for home use, encouraging interactive cooking.
- The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Oregon supports creative collaboration, particularly within the food and beverage sector.
- Toby aims to expand Ton Charcoal's presence in both food service and retail markets while promoting education on cooking techniques.
Summary
Introduction to Toby Roberts and Ton Charcoal
In this episode, Toby Roberts, founder of Ton Charcoal and former President of the popular Pok Pok restaurant chain in Portland, shares his journey from restaurant management to charcoal production. He explains his passion for cooking and sustainability in sourcing charcoal, emphasizing a desire for a cleaner and better quality product that doesn't rely on harmful materials.
The Evolution of Pok Pok and Culinary Experiences
Toby reflects on his decade at Pok Pok and the growth of the restaurant chain. He talks about the challenges faced during their expansions to cities like New York and Los Angeles. Each location demanded innovative solutions to cooking and serving techniques, particularly emphasizing the importance of live fire cooking in enhancing the flavor of dishes.
Exploring Charcoal and Cooking Techniques
Roberts dives into his recent trip to Thailand, detailing his engagement in the charcoal production process. He describes the unique characteristics of the hardwood used for charcoal and emphasizes the different cooking methods across cultures, giving attention to the collaborative and community-focused aspects of live fire cooking.
Ton Grill and Product Innovations
The discussion highlights the Ton Grill, a product designed for chefs and restaurants, but also suitable for home use. Toby explains the robust design, aimed at longevity and usability, and shares insights into how the grill enhances the communal cooking experience.
Market Reception and Future Plans
Toby elaborates on the initial market response for Ton Charcoal, noting a significant drive in the restaurant sector. He also mentions efforts to expand into retail markets and the vision for the company to educate consumers about live fire cooking techniques while continuing to support the restaurant community.
Community and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Oregon
Toby emphasizes the supportive atmosphere of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Oregon, praising networks such as the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network for their role in fostering creativity and collaboration among local businesses, particularly in the food industry.
Daring to Dream: The Future of Ton Charcoal
Towards the end of the discussion, Toby opens up about his aspirations for Ton Charcoal, focusing on the importance of building community around live fire cooking, encouraging people to slow down and enjoy their culinary experiences.
Sponsors
- Oregon Entrepreneurs Network · Dare is brought to you by the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, OEM.
- Darwaf · Darwaff, the super power tech team that can make your vision a reality.
Show notes
Toby Roberts is the former President of the famous Pok Pok restaurant chain here in Portland. Today he has a new company that is focused on bringing the ingredients that can help you create amazing Thai food yourself. His first product is high quality charcoal from Thailand. High, consistent heat, long burn time, no smoke, and made from orchard bi-product. A fascinating culinary startup story!
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