Philly Woman's Special Treat Is Gaining Her National And International Attention
By Jan Carabeo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A local woman is serving grown-up versions of a childhood favorite.
They look like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but these are made with a variety of nut butters.
Not just peanut, but almond, cashew and walnut too.
Megan Gibson is the mastermind of PB And Jams, Philadelphia's nut butter company.
"All I knew is I wanted to have fun. I wanted to feed people."
Today's batch is a vegan version of her classic peanut butter.
"So yeah, we're going to make 30 pounds."
Gibson has graduated to an industrial-sized mixer at a space in West Philly.
But she remembers her humble beginnings at home, making two pounds at a time, with a love for an ingredient nearly bred into her.
"My mother loves all nuts—peanuts, almonds, cashews, everything."
But at first, the vision wasn't clear.
Gibson knew she wanted to run a food truck, but didn't have that 'aha' moment until tasting spicy Haitian peanut butter.
"I said 'that's what I'll do. I'll make my own peanut butter.'"
Now, she makes six varieties, including the hot or not, which is her take on the Haitian treat.
In the summer when she is not busy with her full-time teaching job, Megan makes 250 jars a week.
Her work has gained her national attention.
Triscuit featured her in a 15 second national ad. And with the help of social media, she now has customers across the country, even the globe.
Megan's passion for food is only equal to one other thing—her love of music. Hence the jams in PB and Jams.
"I'm that kind of person when I bite into something I really enjoy I do the happy dance."
And she hopes each customers leaves with a pep in their step too.
"It's been a fun journey and I'm looking forward to the rest of it."
Megan was born and raised in West Philly. Her business is headquartered in West Philly. And now, she gives back to Philly.
Megan donates a lot of product to places like Philabundance.
But you can get a sandwich at the food cart, or get whole jars online.
Summer is her busy season. She is always on the move to various fairs and farmers markets.
Today she is at The Oval, right in front of the Art Museum.
You can keep up with her on social media. Her Twitter handle is @pbandjamsphl and her website is pbandjamsphl.com
