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Jessica — Owner of Penelope’s Little Cafe  

Episode Description 

In this episode of Brand Lincoln, Christopher Beecham and Henry Schmidt sit down with Jessica Runge, One of the owners of Penelope’s Little Cafe, to talk family, food, and what it really takes to build a beloved local restaurant. 

Jessica shares the story behind opening Penelope’s Little Cafe as a way to bring her family closer together, how the concept evolved from dinner service to a breakfast-and-lunch favorite, and the realities of running a family-owned restaurant in Lincoln, Nebraska. The conversation dives into the challenges of the restaurant business, the importance of community support, and how Penelope’s has built a loyal customer base that truly feels like family. 

They also break down how social media and creative marketing—like themed events and local promotions—helped grow visibility and engagement, including participation in Munch Madness. Jessica highlights customer-favorite menu items, the thought behind evolving the menu, and the personal meaning behind the name “Penelope’s.” 

This episode is for restaurant owners, small business operators, and anyone who appreciates the heart, hustle, and community behind local dining.  

Sponsored by Perch Merch 

This episode of Brand Lincoln is sponsored by Perch Merch, a relationship-first merch company helping businesses and nonprofits stand out with custom apparel, promotional products, and branded online stores. 

Perch Merch works with growing local brands that want to look professional, consistent, and memorable—without corporate fluff or confusing processes.  

Topics Covered 

• Building a family-owned restaurant
• Transitioning restaurant concepts
• Social media marketing for local restaurants
• Community engagement and loyalty
• Signature dishes and menu development
• Creative promotions like Munch Madness
• Navigating challenges in the restaurant industry
• The personal story behind Penelope’s Little Cafe

 
Episode Takeaways
 

• Family can be the foundation of a strong business
• Community support is everything for local restaurants
• Social media isn’t optional—it’s essential
• Consistency builds a loyal following
• Creative marketing helps small businesses compete
• Signature dishes create repeat customers
• Adaptability keeps restaurants alive
• Personal stories strengthen brand connection

 
Sound Bites
 
“It’s a fantastic problem to have.”
 “We went balls to the wall.”
 “We have a cult following.”
 
 
Episode Chapters
 
00:00 – Introduction to Penelope’s Little Cafe
 01:34 – The Journey of Opening the Restaurant
 05:37 – Evolving the Menu and Concept
 10:10 – Social Media Strategy and Engagement
 16:16 – Signature Dishes and Customer Favorites
 20:25 – Community Impact and What’s Next
 22:13 – The Story Behind the Name Penelope’s
 

🎧 Brought to you by Perch Merch — where your merch game doesn’t flake, fade, or fall apart like a bad business partner. Check out the fun stuff: Perch-Merch.com