By Aubrey Lenyard, Georgia Tech, FBA
If you’re reading this, you’re probably someone who cares deeply about Georgia’s foodways — where our food comes from, who’s growing it, and the stories behind the jars, jams, sauces, and snacks that line our shelves. That’s exactly why I’m thrilled (and honestly, a little humbled) to be stepping in as the new writer of the Focus on Food column.
This column has been thoughtfully shaped by Wendy White, who has passed the baton into my hands. Wendy’s voice has been a trusted guide in this space, bringing attention to Georgia’s growers, makers, and innovators. I can only hope to continue her work: Spotlighting the people, products, and progress in our great state’s food industry.
So, who am I?
My name is Aubrey Lenyard, and I serve as co-director of the Georgia Tech Food and Beverage Accelerator (GT.FBA). Our mission is simple: We help food entrepreneurs in Georgia start, grow, and scale their brands. Whether someone just inherited Granny’s spicy tomato jam recipe and dreams of launching a product line or has already landed on shelves and wants to go from regional to national, we’re here to guide them.
We do this through interactive classes, technical support, and the mentorship only fellow founders can give. If you’re building a food business in Georgia, we’d love to meet you.
When I’m not helping food entrepreneurs navigate labeling regulations or preparing for a pitch meeting, I work for ATDC, Georgia Tech’s startup incubator for technology companies. I live in Decatur and have a soft spot for weekend road trips down to farms in South Georgia.
I also am a food founder myself. Back in 2018, I launched AubSauce, a small-batch, gourmet barbecue sauce line featuring flavors like Spicy Peach, Fiery Pineapple Mango, Strawberry Balsamic & Rosemary, and the Original AubSauce. We sold in independent stores across Georgia and even landed on shelves at Williams Sonoma. I was honored (and a little shocked) to be named a two-time winner of UGA’s Flavor of Georgia award.
These days, AubSauce is in “stealth mode” while I focus on helping others build their brands. But believe me, the recipes are still close to my heart and my grill.
What can you expect from this column?
Each month, I’ll introduce you to some incredible people growing, making, and innovating in Georgia’s food scene. We’ll explore everything from new food products being developed across the state to what’s next in ag tech and food tech. Whether it’s a peanut farmer testing out AI-powered irrigation, a family starting a spice company using heirloom recipes, or a new food incubator opening in a small town, you’ll hear about it here.
I want this column to feel like a walk through a farmers’ market — full of discovery, color, flavor, and stories you didn’t know you needed.
I’m here to listen, learn, and share. So, if you’ve got something going on in your neck of the woods, don’t be a stranger. I’d love to hear from you and maybe even feature your work in a future piece.
You can reach me at aubrey.gt.fba@innovate.gatech.edu or connect with me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/aubrey-lenyard.
This article was originally published in the Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin and is republished here with permission.
