Kitchen 66 Announces the Spring 2022 Launch Program
Media Contacts:
Cheena Pazzo: 918.625.1937 // cheena@one80.us
Sarah Lorenzen: 918.261.9006 // sarah@lobecktaylor.org
Carly Fussell: 918.845.7623 // carly@lobecktaylor.org
Tulsa, OK – February 22, 2022 – Kitchen 66, an incubator program designed to help new food entrepreneurs build, test and scale their restaurant or CPG concepts, is thrilled to welcome a new class of eager foodies to the Spring 2022 cohort of the Launch Class.
The new class represents diverse food concepts, ranging from healthful sea moss and gluten-free baked goods to Indian and Native American cuisines. Furthering its commitment to serving underrepresented entrepreneurs, the Spring cohort includes two immigrants, seven BIPOC-owned companies and an LGBTQ-owned brand.
Starting today, the selected food entrepreneurs will participate in a comprehensive four-month educational program that will provide practical experience, sales training and access to commercial kitchen space to develop culinary skills in a commercial environment. Selected entrepreneurs will also gain access to the Kitchen 66 community of mentors and fellow business owners in the Tulsa food industry.
"It's always an incredible honor to welcome new food businesses into our program and play a small role in their entrepreneurial journey in an industry that is constantly changing," said Rachael Reagan, program director of Kitchen 66.
The Kitchen 66 Spring 2022 Launch Program participants and their developing concepts are as follows: (all company names and concepts are tentative)
Sir Brandon Clark | Good Aura Brands: A Mother Road Market Takeover Cafe regular since December 2021, Brandon creates incredible smoothie bowls packed with tropical flavors and health benefits.
Navneet Mathur | unnamed Indian concept: A native of India, Navneet’s mission is to share the unique variety of Indian cuisine.
Shannon James | Frybread Fantasy: Drawing on her Native American heritage, Shannon creates interesting dishes using the staple fry bread as the main vehicle.
Tre Baker | Align Minerals / Sea Moss Alliance: After seeing the power of sea moss create healthy changes for his wife, Tre developed a gel out of the substance to be used for everyday consumption.
Al Ragusin | The People’s Bakery: Al includes a hefty dose of nostalgia and flavor in place of gluten, nuts, animal products, and soy in his baked goods.
Maria Del Carmen Camacho & Christian Turner | Mana: Both raised in Bolivia, this husband-and-wife team is ready to share the traditional flavors of their home country with Tulsa.
Tanisha McClellan | Taste of Joy: Tanisha’s take on soul food will completely redefine this type of cuisine.
Renauld Porter & Gabie Castañeda | LeRoux’s Kitchen: Renauld and Gabriela combine their heritages of Latinx and New Orleans to create exciting fusion dishes!
Michael Ford | Oink and Moo BBQ: Michael’s longtime study of barbecue has paid off with his incredible Texas-style brisket and beef ribs.
Paul Warren | PAWS’s Salsa: Paul’s salsa will have you sweating and tearing up, because it is HOT! Paul also features flavorful queso and other condiments.
"This program is an opportunity for me to share my thoughts and experiences through my love of cooking with many people who come from different professions and cultures,” said cohort member, Navneet Mathur.
The program begins on February 22 with orientation and culminates with Meet the Makers, a demonstration opportunity at Mother Road Market to showcase concepts. To keep up with the progress of the class, follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram at @kitchen66tulsa.
ABOUT KITCHEN 66: Kitchen 66 has served more than 175 food entrepreneurs in the Tulsa area, from more than 10 countries. Approximately 50 percent of Kitchen 66 entrepreneurs are female. In June 2018, Kitchen 66 expanded into 2,800 square feet of commercial kitchen space at Mother Road Market, a non-profit food hall developed by the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation. Kitchen 66 also operates the Kitchen 66 Takeover Cafe, Landmark Food Truck and Kitchen 66 General Store at Mother Road Market - platforms used as sales and distribution opportunities for members of the program. For more about Kitchen 66, please visit www.kitchen66tulsa.com.
ABOUT LTFF: Founded in 1997 by Bill Lobeck and Kathy Taylor, the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation (LTFF) has grown into a second generation investment in making Tulsa an innovative, collaborative and thriving city. Under the leadership of CEO Elizabeth Frame Ellison, LTFF aims to decrease the barriers associated with Tulsans achieving their goals. To fulfill this mission, LTFF acts as a grantmaker, innovator and convener. LTFF supports the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems in Tulsa through its owned-and-operated programs including Kitchen 66, Mother Road Market and Shops at Mother Road Market, as well as through grants to organizations. For more information about LTFF, visit www.lobecktaylor.com.
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