We had the good fortune of connecting with James Tenney, Executive Chef and Owner Erica Aberman, Owner and Director of Sales and Marketing and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James Tenney, Executive Chef and Owner, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After being forced indoors during the pandemic we decided to do something for our overall mental health situation. We decided to get out of the house, visit a local farm and get a box of fresh veggies to pickle so we could try and learn something new. Considering local farms were doing contactless delivery, we felt safe in doing so. We originally hoped to make a few jars for ourselves, and if we had too much, we could give back to our local community when and where we could. After trying the first few jars we were hooked. We started thinking of the variety of vegetables we could pickle. We then had some neighbors try them and by word a mouth we sold a few jars. We started a webpage and got on social media and started to grow. We sold almost 5,000 jars within our first 6 months via contactless local delivery in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. We are now found at local restaurants, bars and at many local farmers markets. Our products can be purchased online or at one of our local farmers markets on the weekends.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
James grew up learning how to pickle with his grandmother and godmother in New England. (Massachusetts) He also started washing dishes at a local restaurants in his town as a teenager and worked his way to being an Executive Chef in the Hamptons. He walked away from the restaurant business years ago…Fast forward to the pandemic… Knowing that farmers were hit hard, we decided to help out and shop local buying up $10 vegetable boxes, we also got a free box of veggies from a church. We gave a few jars to neighbors and friends, They soon encouraged us to start a business out of it.

We started a Facebook page and soon, what started as a hobby organically grew into a booming business. Our pickled products are nothing like what James grandmother made, they’re fresh and refrigerated. Our menu originally started with six items has now grown to almost 30, most of which were added by customer request!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
On the weekend I would take them to Yellow Green Farmers Market! It has a variety of foods from every culture, fresh produce, live bands, libations, local products and most importantly PICKLES!

We are also huge fans of Ft Lauderdale Beach and we always try and attend local events and festivals.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I (James) need to recognize my Grandmother for teaching me how to pickle everything in her garden and my Godmother for her love of Dilly Beans.We wouldn’t be where we are today without them! 

We must also recognize our customers. Every weekend we are greeted with our regulars and new customers. Many buy a jar of pickles weekly! They keep us busy and keep us pushing forward daily.

Website: www.inapickle.co

Instagram: @inapickletraders

Facebook: @inapickletraders

Yelp: In a Pickle, Hollywood,FL

Image Credits
James Tenney and Erica Aberman

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.