Early Bird Vegan: Krystal Mack’s Recipe for a Healthier Community

The Smart CEO™ Smart Talk Podcast

🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company

🎧 Guest: Chef Krystal Mack, Founder of Early Bird Vegan

In this inspiring episode of the SmartCEO™ Podcast, we sit down with Chef Krystal Mack, founder of Early Bird Vegan, a thriving plant-based restaurant and food truck concept born out of a mission to bring healthy, flavorful vegan cuisine to underserved communities.

Krystal shares her entrepreneurial journey from catering and personal cheffing for NBA players to creating a beloved restaurant concept in the heart of a food desert. She talks about the balance of artistry and business in the culinary world, what it really takes to run a successful kitchen, and how she’s leveraging systems and strategy to grow sustainably.

You’ll hear how the SmartCEO™ Capacity Builder Cohort helped Krystal streamline her menu, improve processes, and free up time to focus on scaling her vision—including franchising, product development, and future expansion.

Plus, Krystal gets candid about:

• Navigating the challenges of the restaurant industry
• Building a mission-driven business that serves the community
• Scaling strategically while maintaining quality
• Finding time for family and self-care as an entrepreneur

If you’re a foodie, a community builder, or a growth-focused entrepreneur, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to push your vision forward.

🎧 Tune in now to hear how Krystal Mack is feeding both bodies and communities with purpose.

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