Our Talented Hardworking Staff

Name: Kelly McDaniel

Employed at ISM since: April 2012

Job /what I do at ISM: I would say that I’m the self proclaimed cupcake lady. When you look at a cupcake, you just have to smile. I love to bake and decorate. I also think I make the most pointless signs and decorations that serve no purpose besides looking uber-cute.

The thing I like most about my job is…….. : making people smile and meeting new people. I meet so many amazing people at work, and I am truly grateful for that. I also love seeing people’s expressions when I hand them an ice cream cone or a baked good. It is an expression of unbridled joy. It’s a mini “Christmas morning” moment.

Favorite Food: Do I really have to choose one? Because it’s pretty hard to choose between cupcakes, bacon, and ice cream.

Fun Fact: I sing and play ukulele. When I decided that I would teach myself the ukulele, I didn’t realize that the one that I started with was left-handed. Since I taught myself with a left-handed ukulele, now I have to tune my ukulele backwards. (Sort of like Jimi Hendrix, except not nearly as awesome).

Our Founders

Jake Rothschild is the founder of Jake’s Ice Creams based in Atlanta, Georgia. He developed his first food product while a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His now famous JD Rothschild Gourmet Hot Chocolate Blend is now a staple in homes all over the US. A founding chef with the Cooking School at Irwin Street, Jake’s specialties include handmade pastas and sauces, working with super foods and teaching kids how to take over the kitchen with mom’s and dad’s approval. Jake lives on a tiny working farm in College Park, Georgia where he grows figs, peaches, grapes and herbs.

Sandy Houdeshell, a founding chef/owner of our wonderful school, has a lifetime of experience creating fabulous food for 6 to 600. She opened her first business, a sub shop within her residence hall, as a Rutgers College freshman at Rutgers University, NJ. After graduation, she had a successful run with Dunkin’ Donuts managing retail stores and training store managers. Sandy then went on to put her creative energies into her own catering business. She is also the Chief Operating Officer of ohmG!brands which owns The Irwin Street Market, Picnic, The Funky Monkey and Jake’s Ice Creams. In addition to being the mother of two wonderful daughters, Sandy enjoys developing new recipes, experimenting with flavor profiles, and sharing her experience with foodies of all ages…especially if there is a glass of wine at hand!