In the heart of Chicago, two ambitious Gen Z entrepreneurs have created a local business focused on cultivating gourmet mushrooms. Their indoor urban farm has become a popular supplier of exotic mushrooms throughout the area.
Joe Weber and Sean DiGioia, lifelong friends who share a concern for environmental issues, embarked on this venture just before the pandemic. They faced initial challenges, but their business gained momentum when the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, Alinea, started using their products. Now, they are recognized as the premier mushroom farm, supplying exotic varieties to restaurants and retailers.
At their indoor urban farm, Weber and DiGioia offer a unique experience with gourmet mushroom varieties like Chestnut, Blue Oyster, Black Oyster, and Lions Mane. They prioritize sustainability and regenerative farming by utilizing organic by-products such as sawdust and spent brewers’ grain as substrate, which serves as the food or soil for the mushrooms to thrive indoors.
“We take organic by-products from different industries, turn that into mushroom food, and, in turn, we are growing a superfood,” explained Weber.
Despite facing challenges during the pandemic, the collaboration with Alinea proved pivotal for Weber and DiGioia. Alinea incorporated their products into their carry-out menu, which opened doors to other Michelin-starred restaurants. This partnership has paved the way for over 200 clients, including restaurants, hotels, private clubs, and grocery stores like Dom’s Market and Fresh Market Place. They offer hyperlocal, fresh delivery, ensuring that their mushrooms reach customers within 45 minutes.
Weber, an ecology major, and DiGioia, with a background in finance, have found a natural collaboration to pursue their shared passion for sustainability. DiGioia emphasized their mission: “To make a difference and build sustainable food systems to leave the planet in a better place than when we found it.”
According to Weber, mushrooms provide an excellent opportunity to recycle organic materials, as they are considered a superfood and a rich source of protein. Their ultimate goal is to expand their local business and become a global company that contributes positively to the planet’s well-being worldwide.
