How a Retired Chef Turned a Lifetime of Flavor into a Growing Local Brand

For Robert Baker, cooking has always been more than a job, it’s been a lifelong passion. After decades working as a chef and restaurant professional across the country, Robert decided to bring his culinary expertise into a new venture: Five Angels Seasonings and More, the company behind his line of signature spice blends. What began as a chef’s experiment years ago has now grown into a small business focused on helping people “wake up their taste buds one shake at a time.”

Robert originally developed his signature seasoning, “Heavenly Touch”, while working as an executive chef at Ravina on the Lakes, here in the Peoria area. Looking for a way to elevate everyday meals for large catering events, he experimented with different flavor combinations until he created a blend that customers couldn’t stop talking about. The seasoning quickly became a favorite among diners, and Robert realized he had something special. Over time, that one blend grew into a product line that now includes multiple seasonings designed for everything from meats and vegetables to eggs, salads, and pizza.

Today, Robert produces his seasonings locally using a shared commercial kitchen and sells them through stores like Lindy’s in Washington, Ace Hardware in Germantown Hills, and Hy-Vee in Canton, where customers can sample the blends during tasting events. His products have gained attention not only from local shoppers but also from major retailers reviewing his brand for potential placement. While building a food product business comes with challenges, particularly financing and transportation, Robert has remained determined to expand his reach and share his flavors with more customers.

While 5 Angels Seasonings was interviewed by WEEK News at a recent tasting at Lindy’s in Washington, Robert told them, “I remember back in the ’60s, this was a Ben Franklin store I used to come to,” Baker said. “Now my products are on the shelf of a grocery store, so it’s just humbling for me.”

To help guide the next phase of growth, Robert turned to the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley University. Working with advisors Eric Sampson and Amy Lambert, Robert received support in refining his business plan, exploring grant opportunities, and developing strategies for marketing and retail expansion. Their guidance helped him transform his ideas and experience into a structured plan for growing his brand.

Robert credits the SBDC team with providing both practical guidance and encouragement throughout his journey. “It would be next to impossible to do what I’m doing without Eric and Amy’s assistance and support,” he says. “The encouragement they give me and the positive feeling I have when I leave their meetings is what’s helping me accomplish my business goals. They’ve truly gone above and beyond.”

With new opportunities on the horizon, including outdoor markets, expanded retail placements, and potential large events, Robert is focused on continuing to grow Five Angels Seasonings and More while sharing his love of flavor with the community.

The Turner Center is proud to support Robert Baker and Five Angels Seasonings and More as he continues building a business rooted in passion, perseverance, and great taste.