I’m Darius Bounds, the founder of Joolep, a project born out of my curiosity and growing passion for local food sourcing, sustainability, and the connections that fuel our food systems.
Originally, Joolep was built to help people discover restaurant specials and food experiences. It was about making dining decisions easier—helping users find deals, happy hours, and unique offerings from their favorite spots. But over time, something shifted.
As I started learning more about where food comes from, the challenges small farms face, and how sourcing impacts local communities, I realized I wanted to go deeper. I wanted to understand the real stories behind our food, the people who grow it, and the barriers that make local sourcing harder than it should be.
Now, I’m using Joolep to document these stories, connect with farmers, chefs, and food producers, and explore what it really means to eat and support local. I don’t have all the answers—but I’m asking the questions that matter.
Beyond food, I love great coffee and teas, and my current obsession is learning to dial in espresso and make the perfect cup of coffee. Whether it’s a perfectly extracted shot or a carefully brewed pour-over, I appreciate the craft and sourcing behind every sip—just like I do with food.
I’m just getting started on this journey, and I’m excited to see where it leads. If you care about local food, sustainability, and supporting small farms, let’s explore this space together.