Two unique takes on the food and beverage business were featured on our show. First we welcome Dean Rupp, the owner of the Purrista Cat Cafe, who mixes her love for great coffee and baked goods with her passion for cats finding a forever home. Darrell Roberts then tells his story about Triple D's Tastey Grill, and the journey from a hot dog cart and food truck to a busy bricks and mortar location.

This week on Community Chronicles Radio, we are honored to welcome Patrice Matamoros, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania. She was joined by Brian Slawin of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and Maggie Horne, Director of the Gannon University Small Business Development Center.

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Platz heard the story of Empanissah’s, featuring the flavors of Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage and its founder, Anissah Sanchez. Joining Anissah was someone who has walked alongside her through her startup, Jenessa Norton, Northwestern Pennsylvania Business Assistance Specialist with Bridgeway Capital, 40 Under 40 honoree, and a champion for emerging entrepreneurs in our community.

The program focused on food and beverage with conversations with Larry Franco, long-time owner of Franco's Cafe which is moving north on State Street in early 2026, and the Enlisted Coffee Company, owned by Amanda and Robert Kubiak, located in downtown Waterford.

Our first guest this week was Chris Lantinen, communications specialist and at PennWest Edinboro’s Center for Branding and Strategic Communication, and Director of Entrepreneurship and one of the key creative forces behind NWPA Made — a new regional initiative celebrating and supporting makers and entrepreneurs across NWPA. In the second half, Matt welcomed Jasmine Almeida, founder and publisher of Erie Seniors Magazine — a vibrant publication dedicated to celebrating life after 55.

On this episode, Matt invited show producer and Erie broadcaster Joel Natalie to chat about the history of Erie radio and its current reality. Radio listeners to the program were also treated to segments of the special 1980's era Halloween broadcast titled Erie Legends, which is not available for this podcast.

Guests on this podcast were Brad Gleason, Director of Entrepreneurial Operations at Gannon University, and Mabel Howard, co-owner of Cafe 7-10.

In a Halloween-focused show, Matt welcomed Autumn Coverdale, Haunted House Manager at Eeriebyss Factory of Terror, along with Matt Boland, leader of several bands including Broke Boland's String Show.

This week we heard the stories of two growing businesses. Louis Geramita of Primo Tailoring talked about his expansion plans and focus on luxury brand consumers. Dr. Rebecca Styn shared her journey in growing Blind Tiger into fast-expanding brand in the non-alcoholic cocktail sector.

This week Brian Slawin of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners returned to discuss the brand new Erie Revitalization Investment Fund, a collaboration with Erie Insurance. In the second half of the show, Kelly Seblink talked about her vacation booking service, Wandering Dog Travel Co.