BeetNPath LLC (dba Grainful)

BeetNPath LLC, operating as Grainful, was a food company that specialized in frozen ready-to-eat meals centered around whole grains. Founded in 2012 by Jan Pajerski and Chef Jeannine Sacco, the Ithaca, New York-based startup aimed to introduce savory, globally-inspired dishes using steel-cut oats as a base, challenging the grain's traditional association with breakfast. Pajerski, a Cornell-educated mechanical engineer and former hockey player, handled the business aspects, driven by a lifelong appreciation for nutrition and from-scratch cooking. Sacco, a classically trained chef from the Culinary Institute of America and a fellow Cornell alum, was the culinary force, developing recipes inspired by a desire to create convenient, flavorful, and complex meals like jambalaya for weeknight dinners.

The company's business model focused on producing and distributing frozen entrées to major grocery retailers. Grainful's products were sold in chains such as Wegmans, ShopRite, Safeway, Whole Foods, and Target. Revenue was generated through the sale of these meals to consumers seeking healthy and convenient options. The initial product line featured steel-cut oats, but based on consumer feedback and experience gained from the Chobani Food Incubator program in 2018, the company reformulated its offerings. The new recipes incorporated a gluten-free blend of whole oats, quinoa, and sorghum, layered with vegetables, proteins, and distinct sauces, and were packaged in bowls to improve the eating experience. Product varieties included Unstuffed Pepper, Porcini Mushroom Chicken, Vegetarian Chili, and Thai Curry. The meals were positioned as being free from GMO ingredients and artificial additives.

Grainful secured a total of $4.67 million in funding over five rounds, including a significant Series A round of $3.3 million in 2017 with investors like Advantage Capital and Rand Capital. Despite early successes, including expanding distribution and gaining placement in national retailers, the company ultimately ceased operations. The legal entity, BeetNPath LLC, was incorporated in 2009, prior to the launch of the Grainful brand.

Keywords: frozen entrees, whole grain meals, steel-cut oats, ready meals, healthy frozen food, Jan Pajerski, Jeannine Sacco, Chobani Food Incubator, gluten-free meals, convenient meals, consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, savory oats, grocery products, natural foods, Ithaca startup, Cornell entrepreneurs, venture capital food, retail food products, BeetNPath LLC