For Jonah, food is more than just something you need to survive; it’s an art form just like painting or sculpting. Like a mechanic in the garage, Jonah likes to tinker in the kitchen, testing combinations of foods that to an outside observer might seem rather unique, but to a discerning palate make for a delectable surprise! 

This love for food became the inspiration behind Jonah’s business, Jonah’s Snacks – as well as his inclusion in the Entrepreneurial Leaders program. 

“I got into this because I love to cook and in the future I hope to start my own restaurant and I thought this was good practice,” said Jonah, who has participated in Tier 1, Tier 2 and the Emerging Entrepreneurs programs. 

In true entrepreneurial fashion, Jonah launched his business and was immediately met with many challenges. The original boxes he had were a little too big, the ingredients he included were OK, but not the perfect combination he was looking for, his prices were a little too high. Undeterred, he continued to think innovatively and creatively to come up with new packaging, new ingredients, which has led to his three current offerings: Ants on a Raft (wheat crackers, peanut butter, raisins & dried cranberries), The Spicy Cow (cracked pepper crackers, cheese and Tabasco sauce) and Campfire Delights (graham crackers, marshmallows and local chocolate). 

Part of his unique selling point is each of his kits include locally sourced products. He’s partnered with Denver-based 34 Degrees crackers and Boulder-based Justin’s Nut Butters and continues to find other ingredients from around Colorado. 
Through all this, he’s learned (and continues learning) valuable lessons that will help him when he someday opens that restaurant. 

“It’s teaching me that I can get through issues, not matter how big they might seem at the time,” he said. “YouthBiz helps me through the ups and downs with my business and keeps me positive.” 

JONAH BARKER

HEAD CHEF OF

JONAH'S SNACKS