Author: Heather Ruiz

Meet Benjamin & Carol Schuster, from Got Paella

 

Benjamin & Carol Shuster, Owners of Got Paella

 

We had the chance to get to know who is behind GOT PAELLA and a little about how it all started. The inspiring story of how they started and the opticals they overcame.
Follow @danvillesocial on social media to see more about this delicious product!

How did it all start?
In 2015 my husband and I started as a catering business which was very successful in Los Angeles L.A. Paella Catering and expanded to Santa Barbara SB Paella Catering. We launched a food truck Got Paella but only used it for wineries and festivals. During the closures, we saw an opportunity to sell individual meals via our Got Paella Food truck which proved to be a win, selling over 3k meals in 45 days. We had been working on a product for the future but as we were forced to shut down, we decided to utilize direct feedback from our clients and ultimately came up with a skillet ready frozen meal, which not only tastes delicious but by having been frozen, it allows for the consumer to complete the cooking process within 10 minutes and the end result is a delicious paella. The frozen food market is changing to reflect new food trends and is the way of the future due to very little waste and the demand for quick meals that taste homemade.

What inspired you to start your own business?
When I was pregnant with our first, I knew I wanted to be a full-time mom, so I left my career and focused on parenting. Benjamin was passionate about making paella and always dreamed of making it into a business and what started out as a side fun gig, turned into a successful catering business. Having 25+ yrs in sales and management, I took over the sales aspect and help grow our company. Our product Got Paella is our pandemic pivot but it is now the new direction of our company. The pandemic taught is that a service can quickly end but a product can continue on. We want to bring paella to every home in America.

What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?
My parents migrated to the US in the early ’70s from Central America. They worked very hard and always emphasized how important it was to be a successful woman and to have a strong work ethic. I worked very hard in Sales Management for several stores and became the manager of the top Nordstrom, MAC Cosmetics location. I sent myself back to school and graduated from CalState Fullerton in Communications with a minor in Public Admin. I was a regional sales manager for salons and ended my sales career working for a reputable pharmaceutical company selling Cardiovascular medicine. Ben was raised in Spain since he was 1 month old due to his father playing and coaching bg soccer teams in Spain. He learned to make paellas in Spain at a very young age and was the designated paella chef of the home. He was sent to the U.S.A for college where he graduated with a BA in Finance from the University of Missouri. He finished his career working as a Global Financial Analyst for a top Law firm in Los Angeles. Both our experiences and passion to succeed for our family have pushed us beyond the skills we learned in corporate America to learn every aspect of the Grocery Business. Not without challenges but failing is not an option.

What’s the one thing your business is known for, over your competitors?
Aside from winning several Paella competitions, we are the first and only manufacturers of a frozen skillet-ready Paella. We offer a Vegan option as well. When we wanted to launch our Vegan we were told it is not paella, but we know that there is a need for variety in Vegan dishes when it comes to groceries. Not to mention this is the best Vegan paella ever!

Which small businesses are you inspired by?
We are inspired by family-owned businesses. When you hear the power of unity and trust when running a business with your family or partner and what it took to succeed, it makes you feel like you can win if you work together. Ben and I are very different. He is the Chef and artist and I am the sales and marketing part of our business. We stay in our own lanes and allow each other to take the lead in what we are experienced in. Small Family businesses that succeed always recognize the strength each person brings to the business and fosters its’ individual efforts and creativity.

What is your favorite part about living/working in Danville (or your business city)?
We relocated to Santa Barbara at the beginning o the pandemic to focus on the Santa Barbara location and for our kids to go to a small local school. Being part of the central coast community has allowed us the opportunity to launch our product, meet amazing supportive small business owners and be able to introduce our product to an amazing store like Draeger’s Blackhawk. They were one of the firsts to give us a shot and we are so excited to finally have their customers and the community of Danville taste our Paellas.

Tell us the most interesting and fun tidbit about your business (e.g., your company has a mascot or office pet, a fun outing your company held, the unorthodox way your leadership team brainstorms, the unusual ways your team communicates, etc.)
Well, we are a husband and wife team, parents of 2 girls, 3 and 7 yrs of age. We work from home mainly when Ben is not in the commercial kitchen. We juggle conversations about work and kids and family all in one thought. It is a madhouse and we are definitely a fun circus. Our kids are a part of everything we do. When we need a break we take an RV up the coast and camp with our kids. A lot of brainstorming happens when we are on the road as a family.

 

Danville’s Scarecrow Stroll

Now-November 30th, enjoy the beautiful fall weather as you take a leisurely stroll through Danville in search of festive scarecrows. This is a perfect way for residents to rediscover their love for Danville businesses this fall.

Residents are encouraged to stroll Danville and find their favorite scarecrow. Scarecrows will be entered into a competition for two different categories: “People’s Choice” and “Town Council” choice. Voting begins October 30th and concludes on November 28th. Winners will be announced on November 30th.

Check out the map of where to find the scarecrows!

Make sure to follow us on social media @danvillesocial! We will be posting videos of the fun scarecrows around Danville. Tag us in your scarecrow picture while you are around town! 

July Events

July Events Around Danville

It’s time to enjoy the last few weeks of July! Here is a list of stuff to do around Danville for everyone!

Stay updated daily and for a list of Brunch and Happy Hour Spots, follow us and see it on our social media pages! @Danville Social

Live Music, Meenar Music Club, Downtown Danville
Every Thursday, DJ is back! 9 PM- 2 AM. No Cover!

Live Music, Norm’s Place, Downtown Danville
7/23- Head down to Norm’s for a bit to eat, drink, and listen to live music by Nick Tyrell!  Starts at 7 pm.

Live Music, Hazy BBQ, Downtown Danville
Every Friday, head over, eat delicious BBQ, have some drinks, and listen to live music from 5:30 to 8:30 PM.

Player’s Pub & Pianos, Downtown Danville
Every Wednesday, Karaoke & Curbside Kitchens, from 6-10 PM.
Every Thursday, they will have live music, 6:30 PM, and a $10 cover. A DJ will be spinning beats afterward.

Live Music, Auburn Lounge, Downtown Danville
Every Sunday, Auburn has live bands playing for Sunday Funday, starting at 3 PM. Afterward, stay for Karaoke!
8/1- Blue Valley Band, 8/8-EZ Motion Band, 8/15- Blue Tattoo Band, 8/22- Salvage Title Band, 8/29- Against the Grain Band

Primo’s Special Events, Downtown Danville
July 29- Epidemic Pint Night, 5 pm.
July 31- Skrewball Frozen Cocktails Tasting, 3-5 pm.

Moonlight Movies, Town Green, Danville
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks, and join us for a movie under the stars. Crafts and activities will begin at 6:30 pm. The movie Onward will begin approximately at 8:15 pm. Pre-registration is required! To register, click here.

Harry Potter Take-Home Craft, Town of Danville
7/31- It’s going to be a magical day filled with trivia, how-to videos, a take-home craft a Dobby-themed sock hunt, an art contest, and more! The Dobby Sock Hunt and the take-home craft pickup will be available from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Danville Community Center and Town Green. For more info and to reserve your craft kit, click here. 

Movie Night at the Pool, San Ramon Olympic Pool
July 30- Come see Jumanji: The Next Level at the FREE Drive-in movie at the San Ramon Olympic pool! Rec swim starts at 7 PM and the movie starts at 8:15 PM. Pool floats welcome! Watch the movie from the pool, or bring a chair and cozy up. Registration is not needed!

Comedy Uncorked, Retzlaff Vineyards, Livermore
7/24- Who doesn’t love laughing while sipping on wine? Buy your tickets for this event, here!

City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon
Yoga on the Square, Every Tuesday(only in Summer). 9:30 AM-10:30 AM, enjoy FREE yoga! All levels welcome!
The LOT, Every Wednesday, enjoy $14 Movies!
On 7/23, they are premiering Snake Eyes!
Live Art, Every Thursday, grab a bite, take a seat, and enjoy live mural painting at Alexander Square from 4 PM-8 PM.
San Ramon Farmers Market, Every Saturday from 9 AM-1 PM. Buy fresh fruits & veggies and check out all of the vendors!

City Center Unplugged, City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon
7/23- Join in for live music at 6:30 PM for City Center Unplugged!

Live Music, Retro Junkie, Walnut Creek
7/24- The Lost Crowes(A Tribute to The Black Crowes). Buy tickets here.
Every Sunday, 1-8 PM, Sundae Funday with live music, drinks, food, games, mimosas, & live music!

Live Music, Broadway Club, Walnut Creek
7/23- DJ Warner Case will be spinning some beats! Tickets at VIP booths are available here.
7/24- Super Diamond(Tribute to Neil Diamond Band). Buy Tickets here.
7/31- They will be welcoming back Petty Theft(Tribute Band, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers). Tickets almost sold out, so buy here.

Family Fun Night, West Wind Drive-in, Concord
Every Tuesday is Family Fun Night! Enjoy a movie for $5.50! Age 4 & under are always FREE! To see a schedule of movies, click here.

Cass Class Charity 5k, Downtown Danville
7/24- Run for a cause, starts at 9:30 AM and will end at Beyond Active downtown. They will be having an after-party, with pop-ups from; Primm Pop Kids, Krushwell, Late Night Bakes, & Light as a Feather. Sign up here! This is a FREE event, but donations are always welcome.

Summer Concert Series, Livorna Park, Alamo
July 30- Bring your blankets, chairs, and friends to watch live music-The Fog City Swampers playing. This is a FREE event. More information here!

Core & Cabernet, McGrail Vineyards, Livermore
7/28- Follow @Conscious_Core_Caitlin and sign up on McGrail Vineyards site to grab your tickets! There will be a 60-minute all-level Pilates class on the front lawn, followed by wine tasting of 3 McGrails wines and light bites with a view of the sunset.

Little Explorers Petting Zoo, San Leandro
Take the little ones down and let them get some energy out, while they learn about animals! For more information, click here.

Grand Opening Celebration, Paia Mercantile, Walnut Creek
July 30- Join their Grand Opening with a slice of Aloha! It starts at 5 PM and there will be live hula dancing, food, & more! Spend over $100 at the grand opening and receive a FREE $25 gift card.

 

Easter Egg Hunt, Pleasanton, CA

April Events

Spring is here and more places have been opening up! Check out our list of spots that are already opened or will be opening this month! Stay tuned for our Easter Brunch List! Make sure to follow us on social media and stay updated @danvillesocial

Easter Events:

Check out where to go for Easter Brunch, here!

Eggstravaganza, On 4/3, from 10-2 pm. The Danville Community Center is proud to host an updated Eggstravaganza Celebration. This includes the essentials for hosting an egg hunt wrapped up in a take-home “Bunny Basket”. Each basket will contain treasure-filled eggs, egg-themed crafts, and other festive delights. Sign up for your time slot of choice from 10 am to 2 pm. Located at: 420 Front Street, Danville.

Danville Chocolates, Coloring Contest! Voting will be on 4/3. You must pick it up in-store until 4/2. One entry per child, all entries featured all-around the shop!

Sweet Street, They are offering custom Easter Baskets! Each basket is full of unique treats! Order by 4/1 to have it ready by Easter!
4/17, 12-3 pm, Cotton Candy Girl will be there making her famous burritos!

Night Market, On 4/16 from 5 pm-8 pm, join for Spring Night Market Series at Livermore Butcher Shop Lot. Some of the vendors that will be there are; Backwoods BBQ, Brie Grazing Boards, Livermore Valley Wine Club, Mary Jean Clothing, and more!

Lazarus Wellness, On 4/17 at 10 am, head over to Beyond Active for a Beyond Backyard Flow State Workshop. There will be yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, and manifesting session. $20/per person. Sign up on the website.

Island Vibes Market, On 4/26, from 4 pm-8 pm, there will be live music, poke, malasadas, Hawaiian bbq truck, boba truck, cookies, crafts, and more! Located at Ehrenberg Cellars.

Mod and Whimsy, They are taking all of the work for you and making Easter Baskets! Check out their website to purchase yours!

CPC, 4/3 & 4/4, they are having Easter Services. CPC Kids-Every child goes home with an Easter goodie bag! Students 5th grade and above will enjoy services along with their families at either venue.

Easter Bunny’s Carrot Farm, This event will be going on through 4/10 by reservation only. It is $25 for 2 guests, $10 for each additional. The reservation will include; petting zoo, take your own Easter Bunny photos, & egg hunt. Additional activities start at 3 & up; pony rides, animal feeds, train rides, glitter tattoos, photo sessions, vendors & concessions. Text for booking link: 707-653-0265. bookingmanager@besbayarea.com

Six Flags, As of 4/1, the park will open! Tickets will be as low as $29.99.

Danville Library, they are currently open for front door service. The bookstore will remain closed at this time.

Balestrieri Family Farm, 4/17, 11 am-5 pm. Head over to this beautiful location and enjoy The Makers Movement with wine, live music, food, 30+ local makers & brands. Help support The Planet Bee Foundation. They are dedicated to educating and inspiring youth about the importance of bees and their connection to the environment. The address is 6140 Alhambra Valley Rd., Briones. We will also be there, doing a live video on Instagram!

Retro Junkie
Make sure to make a reservation for a table! They can only have limited capacity. Don’t miss out on live music and a Dj spinning beats.

The Broadway Club
The Broadway Club features a talented collection of musicians, touring DJs, bands, comedians, thought leaders & more. The venue is an inspiring, versatile, and inviting space with an electric vibe. The contemporary roll-up garage doors, high ceilings, and open floor plan give a relaxed yet upscale feel. They offer karaoke on Wednesdays!

Tommy T’s
Now open and ready for you to laugh! Check out their website for the lineup of comedy shows!

Danville Bowl
Stay tuned…..outdoor cornhole will be a thing at Danville Bowl! We will let you know as soon as we find out when it starts! They are currently open for bowling! Hours are: Mon-Thurs, 3-11 pm, Friday, 3 pm-1 am, Saturday, 11 am-1 pm, Sunday, 11 am-9 pm.

Beeps Burgers
Located in the Blackhawk Plaza, in front of the play structure. Try their milkshake of the month-The Banana Shake!

March Events

Here’s another monthly lineup of things going on around Danville! Make sure to follow us on Instagram @danvillesocial for our monthly giveaways! This month, we have teamed up with Facial Fixerupper for a FREE Hydrafacial AND beauty kit and will be teaming up with Auburn Lounge and Spree Boutique for a fun giveaway!

Danville Livery– 3/27, from 12-2 pm, hop on over to Danville Livery for Easter Fun and pick up a FREE egg-cellent and safe Easter Basket for your little one. The first 80 kids get a Pinot, Danville paint kit! While you are there, don’t forget to pick up your Danville Livery VIP Card and grab a FREE Cold Stone Creamery kid-sized cup of ice cream. You can pick up Easter Baskets and Danville Livery VIP Card at the customer service booth in Misto Lino courtyard.

Easter Bunny Cruise– 3/28, from 3:30-6:30 pm, the Easter Bunny will be cruising by your neighborhood! At 3:30, the Easter Bunny will begin cruising down Danville South and will continue throughout Greenbrook, Danville Station, Shadow Hills, & Sycamore. They welcome you to join from your lawns, driveway, or windows to wave at the Easter Bunny as he makes his way through the community! Thanks to Jamie Roberts and Juliann Haas for putting this together!

Boomers– All Month, enjoy tasty food, watch basketball games on the flat-screen TVs in the Boomer’s Backyard & enjoy their fun attractions! Hours are: Friday 12-10 pm, Saturday 10-10 pm, Sunday 10-8 am.

Auburn Lounge– Every Sunday, they are having live music on the patio!

The Vine & Spirits– Live music every Friday & Saturday evenings from 5 pm-9 pm.

Museum of the San Ramon Valley- Now Open! Check out their model trains! Learn about history in the Women Win the Vote in California and the Country exhibit, now through 4/11.
2021 Family Train Passes are available for purchase for $15. The pass entitles families to visit the museum every day this year when trains are displayed.

Essential Aesthetics– All Month Specials! Buy 6 sessions of any area laser hair removal, get 1 free. Buy a package of any 4 vitamin injections, get 1 free. Receive 20% off any chemical peel.

Mountain Mikes Pizza-  3/28, celebrate Holi with a color war, music, Indian pizza, and beer! 11 am-4 pm.

Winchester Mystery House– 3/29, now open and ready for you! It is only a 45-minute drive from Danville.

Retro Junkie– 3/26- Salvage Title will be playing from 5-7 pm, so grab your tickets!
3/27-March Madness! Head over for a drink and food while you watch the games.
3/28- Dinner & Movie Night. Blade Runner is at 5 pm and Total Recall is showing at 8 pm. There will also be a food truck.

The Broadway Club– 3/26-Make sure to show up early, as they are capped at 25% capacity. DJ’s will be playing at 7 pm-close.
3/27- Don’t miss UNCHAINED-Van Halen Tribute-live and indoors. Doors open at 8:30 pm. Hurry and buy your ticket, as they are limited!
3/28- Acoustic on the patio with Rudy Colombini(The Unauthorized Rolling Stones) from 11 am-2 pm. This is a FREE concert and will hit max capacity, so get there early to grab a table! Doors open at 10:30 am. The Hangry Cook will be there for all your food needs.
The Broadway Club features a talented collection of musicians, touring DJ’s, bands, comedians, thought leaders & more. The venue is an inspiring, versatile, and inviting space with an electric vibe. The contemporary roll-up garage doors, high ceilings, and open floor plan give a relaxed yet upscale feel. The Broadway Club is also available for private events from birthday celebrations, cocktail-style parties, and wedding receptions to corporate retreats and beyond. With a capacity of up to 400 people, a VIP lounge area, virtual event live-stream capabilities, and a state-of-the-art Void Acoustics sound system, The Broadway Club is the perfect destination for any large event in the Bay Area.