Food Entrepreneurs Get a Chance to Smell the Aroma of Success

Many aspiring food entrepreneurs churn out delicious treats in their home kitchens, sometimes not realizing that they are running afoul of the health laws of most cities. While they may enjoy a few sales, some are living in fear of being shut down. They are also restricting their sales since they probably don't feel safe advertising too widely.

A recent article on InsideBayArea.com reports on an ideal solution: La Cocina in San Francisco. La Cocina is a nonprofit community kitchen where entrepreneurial cooks can get everything that need at an affordable price. The kitchen opened last January and has since helped 13 low-income entrepreneurs pursue their culinary dreams in this affordable professional kitchen space.

One successful participant, Yumna McCann of San Francisco, produces quantities of her savory pies in the commercial ovens. Made from a favorite recipe from her childhood in South Africa, Mystipies, are delicious beef pies wrapped in crispy dough. Her dream of turning her beloved childhood treat into a business is being helped along with her participation in the community kitchen and her new website www.mystipies.com

The other participants are turning out wonderfully different ethnic foods as well. In order to get as many folks as possible to taste their wares, La Cocina staged a giant food fair last month called Expo Cocina.

Laurie MacKenzie, director of programs at La Cocina is quoted in the InsideBayArea.com article as saying of Expo Cocina, "This is like a mini-Fancy Food Show, and the best thing is that they don't have to pay thousands of dollars to participate."

The program offers more than just the use of a kitchen. Participants meet with advisors monthly for help with setting and reaching goals.

If your gift basket business goals include preparing your own food products, read more about this program. Perhaps something similar is available in your area.