Su Embree was once a public policy research and data scientist for DHM Research, which conducts surveys and deep dive analysis for a variety of clients. Today, she’s hosting pop-up food events in the Bend area to gather her own research on her Asian marinade and sauce business, Saute, which she launched last May.
“Saute began as an idea when I couldn’t find a quick Korean rice bowl in Portland or anywhere outside of LA or Korea,” she told the Source. “I’m personally big on consumer and market testing before going full steam into a new business.”
Embree recently held an event at Discovery West which has been hosting a series of global eats pop-ups. “I chose to do pop-ups with Korean BBQ to eliminate any food or cultural bias for people in Central Oregon that may not be familiar with Korean food or how to use a marinade. Marinades are how most Korean meats are prepared,” she explains. It’s also a way for Embree to get customer feedback on her flavors.
At her pop-up on March 20 and 21, her all-gluten-free menu included grilled beef bulgogi, tofu, japcahae (glass noodles made from sweet potato starch), grilled spicy pork, teokbokki (rice cakes simmered in red chili sauce) and kimchi fried rice.
She has one flavor of Saute which is gluten free and made with limited ingredients including tamari soy sauce, pears, onion, rice vinegar and ginger garlic. It’s currently available at Tomi Mart. Embree is working on new flavors.
She plans to be at a variety of events this summer including the opening day of the Northwest Crossing Farmers Market on May 30. “I’ll have my Korean BBQ grill going.” Embree says five businesses, a mix of grocers, restaurants and caterers are waiting to use or sell her products.
“Starting a business in food and choosing the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) route is so far off from research! However, both involve science, both rely on building community or at least understanding people, and both require creative thinking.”
There are two more global eats pop-ups at Discovery West. Rawmona’s Kitchen will be there March 27 and 28. Cotto and Fixa Foods are scheduled for April 3 and 4.
Global Eats Pop-Up
Rawmona’s Kitchen March 27 & 28, 5-7pm
Cotto & Fixa Foods April 3 & 4, 5-7pm
Discovery West
1123 NW Ochoa Dr. Suite 100, Bend
discoverywestbend.com/community/events/
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