OUR TEAM

Jude Villafana

Co-Owner of Peppercorn Food Company and Peppercorn at the Bank

Jude's passion for creating happiness through exceptional service began as a pizza delivery boy at the age of 18 and has evolved throughout his career. Following college, he accepted a position with a growing restaurant company where he was able to hone his skills and deliver excellent service.

Jude is an accomplished professional who has experience working in a variety of restaurant settings, from fast casual to fine dining. His most recent adventure was as managing partner of Popoli Restaurant in Cedar Rapids, where he began a catering program that eventually led to the creation of Peppercorn Food Company. The company officially opened its doors as a catering business in December of 2020, stemming from Jude's experience and passion for the culinary industry.

Jude's commitment to anticipating and exceeding the needs of his clients and customers has been a driving force in his success, and he continues to go above and beyond in everything he does. Jude looks to build on Peppercorn’s successes and is eager to grow the brand through scratch-made food and exceeding guest expectations.

Carrie Quast

Co-Owner of Peppercorn Food Company and Peppercorn at the Bank

Carrie's professional journey is marked by versatility, spanning across multiple fields. She began her career as an elementary teacher, later ventured into entrepreneurship by owning and operating several dance studios, co-owned a restaurant, and presently, she and her husband Jude oversee the operations of Peppercorn Food Company.

At Peppercorn, Carrie plays a pivotal role behind the scenes, focusing on ensuring smooth operations rather than seeking personal acclaim. Her adept management of service and finances has been instrumental in the company's success and rapid growth. Carrie's meticulous attention to detail and the unwavering dedication of her team have been key factors in Peppercorn's flourishing.

Carrie approaches the growth of the Peppercorn brand with careful consideration, aiming for a strategy where everyone involved can benefit. Although her efforts may go unnoticed, they have made a significant impact and will continue to do so in the future.

Megan Schultz

Food and Beverage Director

I consider myself an extreme Foodie. Growing up, it seemed my world revolved around gathering with family in the kitchen. I would always enjoy helping my mother prepare dinner and discuss our day around a Midwestern Hearty Casserole. We would do experiment after experiment until the recipe turned out just right. Farm fresh produce and quality ingredients are what keep me thriving. I enjoy learning about new cuisines and making people happy through food.

I have been cooking for a little over ten years now and went to Kirkwood Community College, as well as Illinois Central College.  My experiences have built me into who I am today. I was Sous Chef at Double Tree Hilton for 2 1/2 years where I learned a lot about Banquet Cooking as well as Steakhouse Style Cooking. I cooked for many celebrities performing concerts at the connecting Coliseum. Following my next Chapter at the local Country Club, I learned Fine Dining from Scratch Cooking. My Career started in Corporate fast-paced environments, these positions taught me a different aspect and culture of the culinary world.  I continue to learn every day and look forward to any challenge that comes my way.

Ashley Jandl

Chef De Cuisine

I am a food industry professional with over 20 years of experience. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of kitchens. As a chef, I once prepared meals for the President when he visited Cedar Rapids. My greatest strength lies in my knack for handling every detail of an event with a keen eye for perfection. The ability to create food from scratch brings me immense joy, as does teaching my three boys, thereby fostering their appreciation for wholesome, homemade food. I also take pride in teaching them how to cook and grow their own food, instilling in them the value of self-sufficiency and healthy eating. In addition to bringing people together, food plays an important role in the story of your life.