Chef David Schoen couldn’t get enough of his go-to order at sushi restaurants — spicy tuna over crispy rice. Now, with Rice Browns, he’s turning his favorite base into an entirely fresh food.
Made with simple ingredients and kept cold, these unique snacks are designed to keep their crunch for days. Proudly non-GMO, plant-based, and gluten-free, they’re the perfect canvas for scrambled eggs, scallops, and everything in between.
Recently, we caught up with David to learn more about his journey and hear his advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
1. Why did you start Rice Browns Crispy Rice?
When I to go sushi restaurants, my favorite thing to order is spicy tuna on crispy rice. I wanted this dish — specifically, the vehicle of crispy rice — to be shared with everyone. Beyond sushi lovers, I wanted to share the joy of crispy rice with lovers of all the world’s cuisines. It really is that good, because it is that versatile.
2. What obstacles did you face along the way?
Many!
Our most difficult obstacle was figuring out a new method / process for producing a product like this at scale.
There are so many laborious steps involved in making Rice Browns Crispy Rice, which is why even the most sophisticated and skilled chefs and packaged food innovators haven’t explored what we have done.
3. What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
You have to keep on making progress — no matter what. That progress may feel like taking a step backwards. Sometimes, you may feel like you’re taking ten steps backwards and getting completely redirected. Still, you have to continue moving forward.
For example, our first Rice Browns Crispy Rice product order was based on a completely different shape. Fun fact: If you take a close look at the product’s original graphics, you’ll see the would-be shape of our product.
As an entrepreneur, it’s important to remember that every step forward means progress for your business and your customers.
4. What’s on the horizon for Rice Browns Crispy Rice?
We are getting closer to launching our all-new Crispy Quinoa. Made in the USA, Rice Browns Crispy Quinoa is gluten-free, plant-based, vegan, and keto-friendly.
We’re also introducing two sauces — The Crizzle Spicy Mayo and The Crizzle Sweet Glaze. Naturally, they compliment our Crispy Rice and Crispy Quinoa beautifully. But, beyond that, they go great with any food in need of a delicious sauce.
Even after achieving regional scale with Rice Browns Crispy Rice, we are always looking for ways to reach more people, palates, and food occasions. That’s why we’re launching Crispy Quinoa and The Crizzle, but we have even more products in the pipeline!
5. How do you keep work/life balance? What drives/inspires you?
I try to knock out my own mental and physical health early in the morning so I can spend most of the day working. Then, at night, I have the flexibility I need to spend time with my loved ones — both humans and dogs.
I’m inspired by music, sports, science, technology, and the arts. I’m a serial learner, so I’m able to find drive and inspiration from everything that surrounds me.