Q&A with Stush Patties Founder: Opal Rowe

Have you ever craved a mouthwatering Jamaican patty, but wished it were lighter and made with wholesome ingredients? Or maybe you’ve tasted the delicious patties at the Den or the Station and found yourself wondering: Who’s behind these incredible creations? Meet Opal Rowe, the founder of Stush Patties, and our patty supplier at the SSU. This Black History Month, we sat down with Opal to have a conversation about her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of community as a Black-owned business and how her brand is changing the way people experience Jamaican culture, one patty at a time. Check out our Q&A chat:

“Ultimately, Black is Limitless means breaking barriers and creating new possibilities. I see Stush as part of that movement—taking something beloved, elevating it, and making it accessible to more people, proving that there’s no limit to how far we can go.”

- Opal Rowe

Q: How would you describe Stush Patties’ approach to Jamaican cuisine, and what makes your patties stand out from others on the market?

A: “Stush Patties take the beloved Jamaican patty and elevate it with a modern, wholesome twist. While we stay true to the authentic flavors people love, our approach focuses on using real, high-quality ingredients with no fillers, no artificial additives, no added sugar, and no MSG—something that sets us apart from most patties on the market.

What also makes Stush unique is our variety. Most patties found in grocery stores are primarily beef, and it’s rare to find vegan options. We offer both meat and plant-based patties, making sure there’s something for everyone. Plus, there are no jerk chicken patties widely available on the market, and we’ve taken this renowned flavour and incorporated it into our Jerk Chicken patty and our plant-based Jerk Soy Chik’n patty.”

Q: Your brand highlights how there’s diversity that lies with Jamaican cultures - and the choices of patties offer something for a variety of dietary needs. Why was that important for you to consider?

A: “Jamaica, like Canada, is inclusive and multicultural, and I wanted to create a patty that reflects that diversity. Food should bring people together, not exclude them. That’s why it was important for me to offer something for a variety of dietary needs—whether you eat meat, follow a plant-based diet, or just want a healthier option without artificial additives. Most patties found in grocery stores are primarily beef. Other meats and plant-based options are rare. By offering chicken and plant-based patties, we ensure that more people can enjoy this beloved food.

We want to make patties accessible to everyone, whether they grew up eating them or are trying them for the first time. In the same way that pizza has expanded beyond its Italian roots, we believe patties deserve that kind of mainstream recognition too. Our goal is to offer a convenient, flavourful, and better-for-you option that fits into any lifestyle, whether you're grabbing a quick snack or looking for a satisfying meal.”

Q: One way to interpret "Black is Limitless" is to see the boundless creativity, resilience, and potential within the Black community. How do you see your business as a reflection of this idea?

A: “Stush Foods is a perfect reflection of Black is Limitless because it embodies creativity, resilience, and the power to redefine expectations. When I started this journey, I saw a gap in the market—Jamaican patties were widely known, but I knew they could be better, made with real, wholesome ingredients and available in options beyond just beef. Instead of accepting the status quo, I took the challenge head-on, learning everything from recipe development to navigating the complexities of food production. For me, resilience is about pushing forward despite obstacles, and entrepreneurship demands exactly that. From perfecting the product to getting it into stores like Whole Foods, every step has required persistence, adaptability, and belief in my vision.”

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey to founding Stush Patties?

A: “I grew up in Jamaica, where food was always a big part of life, but funnily enough, I never actually learned how to make patties growing up and I didn’t know anyone who made patties! A few years ago I was craving a light meal to enjoy with a glass of wine. My thoughts turned to a Jamaican patty, but I didn’t want a greasy snack. I wanted something tasty, light but satisfying. I also wished I had such a patty in my freezer so I could simply heat and eat. I searched high and low for such a patty, but I couldn’t find one. So, I decided to make one!”

Q: What was the spark that led you to launch this business?

A: “The gap in the market for a patty made with wholesome ingredients, yet flavourful, sparked an idea: why not create a patty that stays true to the authentic flavours people love while using only wholesome, natural ingredients? Starting Stush Patty was a challenge—I had to learn everything from perfecting the recipe to navigating food production and distribution. But I was determined to make something that wasn’t just delicious but also a better, healthier option. Since launching, Stush Patties have made their way into stores like Whole Foods and Nature’s Emporium, and it’s been incredible to see people—whether they grew up eating patties or are trying them for the first time—fall in love with them and more so enjoying them for as dinner. My vision is to make patties as mainstream as pizza, bringing them beyond their cultural roots and into more households across North America. It’s a journey fueled by passion, persistence, and a love for great food!”

Q: How did you first become a supplier of Sheridan Student Union? Why was it important for you to share your patties within schools like Sheridan College and what role does having cultural foods like patties in our schools play in re-shaping how people see Jamaican cuisine?

A: “Our broker presented Stush Patties at a show where representatives from various student unions were in attendance. Sheridan College later expressed interest in learning more about our products, and that led to us becoming a supplier for the Sheridan Student Union. It was important for me to have Stush Patties in colleges because these institutions are incredibly diverse, made up of students from many different cultures, some of whom do not eat beef or meat. Traditionally, most Jamaican patties available in the market are beef, with very few alternatives. That means an entire generation of students—those who don't eat meat or prefer plant-based options—might never get to experience a Jamaican patty.

Having cultural foods like patties in schools plays a big role in reshaping how people see Jamaican cuisine. It moves beyond being a niche or specialty food and becomes something familiar and accessible to all. Just as pizza has become a staple food enjoyed by people from all backgrounds, I want to see patties reach that level of mainstream recognition. Schools are the perfect place to start introducing diverse foods, creating a future where cultural dishes are celebrated and enjoyed by everyone.”

Q: Can you tell us more about why that was important for you when starting your business to consider health, sustainability and authenticity in your brand.

A: “From the very beginning, it was important for me to create a patty that not only tasted amazing but was also made with real, high-quality ingredients. Too often, convenience foods are loaded with fillers, artificial additives, and unnecessary chemicals. I wanted Stush Patties to be different—to give people a better option that aligns with how we should be eating: real food, made with care. Health was a big factor in my decision. Many patties on the market contain added sugar, MSG, and fillers like breadcrumbs, which I saw no need for. Stush Patties have none of that—just wholesome ingredients that let the natural flavors shine. People deserve to enjoy food that is both delicious and made with integrity. Sustainability also played a role in my choices. We offer both meat and plant-based patties because I recognize that not everyone eats the same way, and plant-based options contribute to a more sustainable food system. By giving people more choices, we’re ensuring that more people can enjoy patties, no matter their dietary preferences.”

Q: Community is often at the heart of Black businesses. Can you speak about the role your community has played in the growth of Stush Patties?

A: “Community has been at the heart of Stush Patties from the very beginning. From the early days of testing recipes to getting our patties into stores, the support from people who believed in what I was building has been invaluable. Whether it’s customers who take the time to share how much they love our patties, retailers who gave us a chance, or fellow entrepreneurs who offered advice and encouragement, every step of this journey has been fueled by community. 

Giving back is just as important to me. Stush Patties supports charitable organizations by donating patties to shelters for homeless youth and women. Food is more than just nourishment—it’s comfort, connection, and care. I believe that as a business, especially one rooted in culture, we have a responsibility to uplift those around us. At the end of the day, Stush is more than just patties—it’s about creating something meaningful that brings people together. Community is what keeps us going, and I’m deeply grateful for the role it continues to play in our growth.”

Q: What's one thing you want students to know about Stush Patties?

A: “If you’ve never tried our patties before, I’d suggest starting with our lentils and veggie or jerk chicken patty. Many meat lovers have the perception that vegetables and plant-based food are boring, but I want to show that this isn’t true—plant-based foods can be just as flavourful and satisfying as any meat option. Our lentils and veggie patty is packed with bold flavors, and it’s a great way to experience just how exciting plant-based food can be. As for my personal favourite? I have to go with the jerk chicken patty—it’s the perfect blend of savoury, smoky, and spicy, and it’s an iconic flavor in Jamaican cuisine. Plus, it’s one of the first times I’ve seen jerk chicken incorporated into a patty, so it holds a special place for me!

I also love that our patties offer something for everyone—whether you eat meat or prefer plant-based options, there’s a Stush patty to enjoy. And just like I mentioned earlier, patties can absolutely be a meal—not just a snack—packed with flavors and ingredients that keep you going through your day. Consider a patty as a sandwich that can be paired with soup or salad, just like a hamburger, tacos, or pizza are enjoyed as a full meal and not just a snack.”

Are you looking for opportunities this month to celebrate Black History and Black entrepreneurs?

Join us in our upcoming events throughout February in recognition of Black Excellence!