Ben Friedman (left) and Brad Gillis (right), Homegrown co-founders at new Mercer Island location

Congratulations to Mercer Island’s Ben Friedman, co-founder of Homegrown Sustainable Sandwich Shop, who was named as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in the Food & Drink sector.

Forbes released its “Class of 2016” on January 4th, which represents “600 of the brightest young entrepreneurs, breakout talents, and change agents in 20 different sectors.”

Friedman co-founded Homegrown with Islander and friend Brad Gillis, who he has known since Kindergarten. They opened their eighth Homegrown location on Mercer Island in January 6, 2015, and now have 10 shops throughout the Seattle area.

I emailed Friedman about the recognition and here’s what he had to say:
“Brad and I are really excited about being featured by Forbes, and the attention it has brought Homegrown on a national scale, however, I regret that I did not attempt a joint application. It was unclear that you could apply as two people, as co-founders, and since everything we’ve built, we’ve built together, I share 100% of this recognition with Brad.”

Check out the full list, and Friedman’s recognition here: http://www.forbes.com/30-under-30-2016/food-drink/