The Heartwarming Story of the Walnum Family:
Community-Driven Culinary Entrepreneurs and Passionate Health Enthusiasts
In the inaugural issue of Greet Bozeman, we are proud to introduce the Walnum family, residents of the Meadow Creek Neighborhood. Their colorful tapestry of love, culinary background, and dynamic lives exemplify warmth, creativity, and a deep commitment to family, community involvement, and connections.
The Family Portrait
Erik Walnum: The Culinary Engineer and Outdoor Enthusiast
Erik Walnum's roots trace back to Amherst, New Hampshire. With a myriad of talents, Erik is not only a dedicated father but also an accomplished chef, cyclist, skier, and the founder of Unwaffle, an innovative and healthy toaster waffle that has quickly garnered a loyal following among top performers, discerning parents, and picky eaters alike. Erik thrives on a lifestyle packed with activities, from cooking up gourmet meals to hitting the slopes. His love for live music realms, alongside his culinary and outdoor pursuits, generally translates into a habit of "trying to cram more into one day than there is time for," says his wife, Mollie, but his foremost priority remains his cherished role as a husband and father.
Mollie Walnum: The Creative Educator and Pastry Extraordinaire
Mollie, who grew up in Williamsville, New York, brings a complimentary and multi-faceted background to the Walnum tapestry. As a former teacher and pastry aficionado, her expertise adds immense value to the family's culinary adventures. Mollie's knack for baking is not only a hobby but also a means to create cherished memories with her daughters. Whether hiking with friends, enjoying a good book or listening to Taylor Swift, Mollie's essence radiates love and nurturing.
The Wonder of Ivy, Olive, and Charlie, and Brewer.
The Walnum siblings, Ivy (9), Olive (6), Charlie (3), and Brewer, their Springer Spaniel (13), complete this dynamic and heartwarming family. Each child (and dog) possesses their unique interests and charm:
- Ivy, born in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., is a vibrant fourth grader at Hyalite Elementary who enjoys ballet, skiing, playing piano, swimming, and riding her bike. Coupled with her love for Harry Potter, art, cooking, and being a "huge" Swiftie fan demonstrates her artistic and curious imagination.
- Olive, born in Bozeman, Montana, is a spirited and adventurous first grader at Hyalite Elementary. She enjoys gymnastics, trampolines, bike riding, skiing, and exploring the Bumblewood Thicket Fairy Village at Glen Lake Rotary Park. Also, a proud Swiftie, Olive loves trying new foods, creating sidewalk chalk art, playing with friends, and listening to Bob Marley.
- Charlie, also born in Bozeman, is still in pre-K at Mountain Sprouts Preschool. Charlie's high-energy nature keeps him "moving and hungry at most times!" He loves chasing his sisters, "crushing smoothies," Paw Patrol, skiing, and riding his bike, especially at pump tracks. His active and fun-filled spirit makes him the ideal taste-tester for his dad's Unwaffles.
- Brewer, a 13-year-old Springer Spaniel, is a loving and loyal watchdog. He enjoys sneaking onto the couch for cozy snuggles, going for walks, napping, and "indulging in waffles whenever he gets the chance." His warm presence brings immense joy to the Walnum family.
Their Journey to Bozeman
Eight years ago, the Walnum family relocated to Bozeman from Alexandria, VA, seeking better opportunities as private chefs and a more enriching environment for their growing family. The couple met in culinary school, and their combined passion for food and education has driven their entrepreneurial spirit ever since. They reside in the Meadow Creek Neighborhood, which has become a supportive and nurturing community for them.
Educational Endeavors
Erik and Mollie have impressive educational backgrounds that fuel their professional and healthy lifestyle endeavors. Mollie attended Miami University in Ohio, where she obtained a B.A. in Art History. She then received an A.A.S. in Pastry Arts from Johnson & Wales University and a Master's in Elementary Education from Cambridge College. Erik brings his business acumen from the University of New Hampshire, where he obtained a B.A. in Business Hotel Management. His A.A.S. Culinary Arts degree from Johnson & Wales University and a certification in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University complement his educational background.
A Culinary Family Venture
The Walnum family owns and operates Planted Kitchen, a private chef services business, and Planted Foods Inc., where they have partnered with two local collaborators. Their flagship product, Unwaffle, is a testament to their dedication to quality, nutrition, and community. With a mission to fuel your everyday success, Unwaffle combines nourishing and healthy ingredients with great texture and delicious flavors. Unwaffle is made with no less than 65% organic Montana-grown ingredients, is free from the top 14 major food allergens, and is celiac-safe, ensuring that those with dietary restrictions can enjoy a delicious meal without worry. Each serving boasts over 12g of clean plant protein (the most protein in its segment), making it an excellent source of Omega-3 and fiber. Their organic and non-GMO ingredients ensure quality and taste. Perfect for Bozeman's active outdoor community and busy families on the go, Unwaffle is conveniently available at local favorite stores such as The Well Juicery, The Farmer's Daughters Café, Ghost Town Coffee, and the Bozeman Community Food Co-Op.
Family Adventures and Local Hotspots
Life in Bozeman has allowed the Walnum to immerse themselves in various community activities. They are frequent visitors to local hotspots such as Mountain Berry Bowls, Blackbird, Little Star Diner, and Community Food Co-Op. Explorations often lead them to the Gran Cielo pump track and Story Mill Park, where the children can engage with nature, outside activities, and other families in the neighborhood. The family also enjoys attending community events, including the Fairy Village known as Bumblewood Thicket and appreciates the artistic contributions made by Random Acts of Silliness in the public art space.
Celebrating Together
For the Walnums, holidays are cherished and filled with love. Christmas and Halloween highlight their family's creativity, but birthdays take the cake (often literally!). Mollie's pastry skills ensure birthday celebrations come alive with the most fabulous cakes. Despite their busy chef lives, they prioritize quality time as a family, especially during special occasions.
Building Community Bonds
Community involvement is a cornerstone of the Walnum family's philosophy. Their engagement with local initiatives, such as vendors at the local Farmer's Market for the past four years or donating private chef dinners for charity auctions, has made them a staple in Bozeman. This showcases their commitment to supporting families and a healthy, charitable, and fun-filled community spirit.
Memorable Experiences
When reflecting on their time in Bozeman and the Meadow Creek neighborhood, the Walnums revel in the bonds formed with nearby families, which foster a comforting and supportive atmosphere. The vibrancy of community interactions and outdoor adventures create lasting memories for the Walnum family.
A Call to Explore
As the Walnum family continues to influence and inspire those around them, they invite others to join them on their journey. Whether you're visiting Mountain Berry Bowl or scoping out local events, the warmth and talent presented by the Walnums exemplify everything excellent about community spirit.
If you're interested in learning more about their culinary offerings, feel free to contact them at:
@eatunwaffle | https://eatunwaffle.com | erik@eatunwaffle.com