Local Nonprofit Helps Entrepreneurs Open Official Food Businesses

FOOD BUSINESS INCUBATOR — Kitchen@812 helps up-and-coming food entrepreneurs to become licensed and official businesses. With bilingual support services, the nonprofit organization assists immigrants, women, and low-income residents around the East Bay Area. Here are some of their stories.

HOME BASED KITCHEN — In Richmond, California, Omar's father was a restaurant chef that was let go after 25 years of work. Seeing this as an opportunity to build something of their own, the family decided to create Sabor Italiano, blending classic Italian dishes with a twist of Mexican heat and heart. They currently operate as a licensed home-based business, offering gourmet pastas and sandwiches for pickup. Omar hopes to bring Sabor Italiano around the Bay Area in the form of multiple food trucks, with Richmond serving as their main hub.

One lesson Omar has learned from the journey of building Sabor Italiano is that doing things the “right way,” such as technical logistics, maintaining quality and consistency, etc. often requires extra effort and can present unexpected challenges. This is where he came to Kitchen@812 for the extra help and support he needs to keep Sabor Italiano up to high standards. By outsourcing this assistance, he is able to focus on expanding the business and making sure Sabor Italiano is a long-term success.

You can order from Sabor Italiano from their Instagram @saboritaliano510

POP UP VENDOR — Candace has always put her health and wellness above everything else. She began her journey with hosting health and wellness workshops for dedicated women, but was looking for an additional source of income. She had already perfected her ginger beer recipe and was sharing it amongst friends and family. They enjoyed the taste and health benefits so much that it encouraged Candace to begin selling the drinks.

Now, she owns CandiGinger Ginger Beer, popping up at The Lot in Richmond and other farmer’s markets around the East Bay. She is proud to offer a product that she personally enjoys, and her favorite part about running her own businesses is seeing customers return for more.

Looking to expand CandiGinger, Candace joined Kitchen@812, where she had more access to pop-ups, information about events, and most importantly, a large commercial space to produce her ginger beer batches.

Kitchen@812 is currently open to interested entrepreneurs. You can contact the organization at info@kitchen812.org or visit the website at www.kitchen812.org to inquire or schedule a free tour.