Eat, Play, Love

Food is undeniably the love language for Steven Torres and Gan Suebsarakham. In just two years the couple has launched Pop Pie Co. and Stella Jean’s Ice Cream, also known as The Sweet & Savory Collective. Celebrating a decade of marriage, Torres and Suebarakham revealed their secrets to building a thriving culinary empire in San Diego that honors their diverse backgrounds, uplifts their community, and strengthens their bond with every dish.

Tell us how your love for food started.

Steven: Growing up in Calexico, California, I was surrounded by rich Mexican culinary traditions. Food was always a central part of family gatherings and I developed a deep appreciation for how it brings people together.

Gan: Being born and raised in Khon Kaen, Thailand, I was immersed in a culture where food is integral to daily life. My passion for cooking began early, inspired by the vibrant flavors and techniques of Thai cuisine.

Any culinary heroes and inspirations?

Steven: I admire chefs who blend tradition with innovation, creating dishes that are both nostalgic and new. The ability to evoke memories through food is something I strive for.

Gan: I’m inspired by chefs who honor their heritage while pushing culinary boundaries. Bringing global flavors to a local audience in an approachable way is a philosophy I embrace.

How did you meet?

Steven: We met the day I moved back home to San Diego from San Antonio, Texas. We went to D Bar, which is now closed, and enjoyed a nice meal together.

Gan: Yes, it was a memorable evening that marked the beginning of our journey together, both personally and eventually professionally.

Did food always play a part in your relationship?

Steven: Absolutely. From the beginning we’ve bonded over experimenting with recipes and exploring new culinary ideas.

Gan: Food has been at the heart of our relationship, both personally and professionally. It’s our shared language and passion.

How did you each start your company? And what about those catchy names?

Steven: In 2016, we founded Pop Pie Co. with the vision of revitalizing comfort food, particularly sweet and savory pies. The name “Pop” was meant as a reference to my father.

Gan: In 2018, when the space next to Pop Pie Co. became available, we saw an opportunity to fulfill another culinary dream, leading to the birth of Stella Jean’s Ice Cream. The name Stella Jean’s was chosen after one of Steven’s mentors’ dogs, a rescue pit bull from Seattle. Stella Jean and Steven used to bond and she loved for him to throw the ball to fetch.

Tell us a little bit about your daily work lives. 

Steven: Working together is actually great. I handle more of the operations, finance and all of those details, while Gan handles more of the culinary side. Together we form the vision for where we want these companies to go. We also have a great work-life balance and have incorporated fitness by seeing a personal trainer four times a week.

Gan: Our complementary skills allow us to balance responsibilities effectively, making our partnership both in business and life harmonious.

And lessons learned as both business and life partners?

Steven: Gan has taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail, both in the kitchen and in life.

Gan: Steven has shown me the value of strategic thinking and perseverance, essential traits for running a successful business.

What challenges do you face as a married couple who also run businesses together?

Steven: Separating work from personal life can be difficult. We have to make a conscious effort to set boundaries and ensure we nurture our relationship outside of work.

Gan: Balancing different roles and responsibilities requires clear communication and understanding. It’s a continuous learning process.

Now, the food stuff. How do local flavors and ingredients drive your products?

Steven: We prioritize sourcing local ingredients to support the community and ensure freshness. Incorporating local flavors allows us to create products that resonate with our customers.

Gan: Using local ingredients inspires creativity in our menu, enabling us to offer unique flavors that reflect the diversity of San Diego.

What are your most popular items?

Steven: At Pop Pie Co., the classic chicken pot pie and the Green Hog & Cheese pot pie are customer favorites.

Gan: At Stella Jean’s, flavors like mango sticky rice and guava and cream cheese are particularly popular, showcasing our commitment to globally inspired tastes.

Why do you think customers keep coming back for more?

Steven: We focus on quality and consistency, ensuring that every visit meets our customers’ expectations.

Gan: Our innovative flavors and dedication to hospitality create a memorable experience that keeps people returning.

What is your favorite thing that your husband makes? 

Steven: Gan’s mango sticky rice ice cream is a personal favorite. It perfectly captures the essence of a traditional Thai dessert in a new form.

Gan: Steven’s daily morning Erewhon-inspired protein shakes! Healthy with all of these super-foods. They’re flavorful and remind me of why we started this journey.

Travel plays a role in your creative process?

Steven: We love exploring new places, but Thailand holds a special place in our hearts. The rich culinary scene is both inspiring and comforting.

Gan: Visiting family in Thailand allows us to reconnect with my roots, traditions, and the vibrant food culture that shaped my love for cooking. It’s a chance to immerse ourselves in the flavors and dishes that inspire much of what we create at home and in our shops.

And how about San Diego as your home base?

Steven: Being part of San Diego’s vibrant food scene is an honor. We take pride in contributing to the city’s diverse culinary landscape and serving our community.

What’s next for Stella Jean’s and Pop Pie?

Steven: We plan to continue expanding our presence in Southern California, with new locations in South Park later this year. Our goal is to bring our unique offerings to more communities.

 Any plans to expand further outside of San Diego?

Steven: We’ve already expanded to Costa Mesa in Orange County and are open to exploring opportunities to bring our concepts to new markets beyond San Diego. If the opportunity presents itself and if there are people and other communities who want us, then we’re all for it. Right now, however, there’s nothing officially planned.