Shawn Goes Bananas finds sweet success in Tallahassee with its gourmet banana pudding

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that shook the world, many people found themselves disconnected from society, including 22-year-old Shawn Rosier.

Even after all the masks were tucked away and people began to pour back out into the cities from their self-imposed hibernation, the Wakulla High School alum's parents, Sonia and A. Shawn, found their son disengaged from society.

Desperate to get their autistic reacclimated, they knew that they had to do something.

That's when Shawn Goes Bananas was created.

Shawn Goes Bananas operates out of a bright yellow and blue mobile unit that has traveled around northern Florida since February to serve its decadent desserts, specifically gourmet banana cream pudding.

The layered levels of goodness are made with milk, a banana cream pudding mixture, whipped cream, vanilla wafers, and a sacred family ingredient Sonia Rosier would not disclose.

The catch is, the bananas come separately as well as other fruit toppings, like strawberries and blueberries.

The business also offers a $7 “Skinny” pudding for those looking for a low-fat, zero-sugar and gluten-free alternative, and a sweet specialty item of the week.

How it all started

Nearly 10 years ago, Sonia owned a catering business where she served her specialty puddings, which she continued to create sometimes after people’s requests, even after closing her business.

In 2022, as Sonia was whipping up a fresh batch of pudding for an event at her church, the Rosiers realized their son was helping to prepare for the event which was nothing new. But they saw it as an opportunity.

A. Shawn looked at his wife and told her, “I think we could do this as a business for Shawn when I retire.”

From that moment, Shawn Goes Bananas became a team effort. Over a dozen organizations from Chase Bank to the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation would join together to give Shawn opportunities.

As Sonia told the Tallahassee Democrat, “It is, you know, customized self-employment.”

Shawn says that he has enjoyed talking to customers and getting his own money, which he says he has used to purchase a new iPad.

“It's amazing, what we've seen, the growth we've seen in just two months,” Sonia said about her son's developments.

She said Shawn handles tasks which includes operating the cash register, delivering the sweet treats and engaging with guests.

“I think this is a really good way to kind of re-introduce him to the community and he is just, I mean really, he's really taken it by the horns and has gone with it,” his mother said.

Sweet community reactions

Following a schedule that fits within Shawn’s comfort zone, the small team which consists of the Rosier family and a Future Pathways job coach, caters at a number of events two to three days a week when possible.

So far, they have served the Wakulla County Department of Health, the Creative Minds School of Arts, Florida State’s School of Communication Science and Disorders, and more.

“We’ve just been very encouraged by the community as a whole,” Sonia said.

Many have taken to the business’ Facebook page to share their support and love for Shawn and the gourmet puddings.

One user commented: “The banana pudding was so yummy, and Shawn and his team were all so very nice! It was nice to meet you all!”

“It takes a village, and this is a prime example of what we can do as we come together as a community,” Tallahassee-based brand strategist Zenani Johnson, a consultant for Shawn Goes Bananas, told the Tallahassee Democrat.

The family’s goal is to continue to build their brand to be sold in hotels and restaurants across the nation, but also give others with disabilities the same opportunity to work.

For updates on Shawn Goes Bananas you can visit its Facebook page. Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ksanford@tallahassee.com. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know!

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Shawn Goes Bananas finds sweet success in Tallahassee with pudding