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.