From the November 2010 edition of Chronicles

St. Patrick Center announces the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art Culinary Suite in the BEGIN New Venture Center (BNVC) small business incubator. Ten culinary companies dedicated to St. Patrick Center’s mission by employing or training the agency’s homeless clients are utilizing the 2,200 square foot kitchen suite. 

The Culinary Suite is an affordable, state-of-the-art environment for startup and early-stage food service companies. The Culinary Suite is possible through a $250,000 Performance Award from the United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA). St. Patrick Center received the award in November 2009 in recognition of outstanding project implementation and outcomes related to the EDA’s $3.5 million investment in 2006 in the BEGIN Center, consisting of the BEGIN New Venture Center and BEGIN Training & Education Center.

To commemorate the grand opening of the Culinary Suite, St. Patrick Center hosted a news conference on October 6. Speakers at the event included St. Patrick Center representatives and a number of the culinary companies utilizing the kitchen suite. “These companies are going beyond the walls of this kitchen and impacting the lives of others through their businesses,” said Holly Cunningham, owner of BNVC affiliate company Hollyberry Baking. “This is the American dream right here.” In addition, guests were invited to view the Culinary Suite and taste the various culinary delights produced by the companies.

The ten culinary companies are Adventures in Spice, Collective Catering, Cookie & Brownie, Craig & Toni Quality Products, Del Carmen, Grass Farms and Foods, Hollyberry Baking Company, Posh Pop Gourmet Popcorn, Queen’s Cuisine and Small Bites. As resident and affiliate companies of the BNVC, they receive daily business and marketing assistance, access to experienced service providers and investment capital, and more in a professional business location. In addition, these startup and early-stage companies have access to the ready, willing and able workforce of St. Patrick Center clients.

Celebrating its two-year anniversary in October 2010, the BEGIN New Venture Center is the nation’s first incubator with a focus on the homeless population. All BNVC companies are dedicated to furthering St. Patrick Center’s mission by employing or training clients, or by providing services to the agency and its clients. Today, 22 resident and affiliate companies are incubating in the BNVC (including the culinary companies mentioned above). These companies have generated 35 full-time jobs and 75 job placements.

To read more about the BEGIN New Venture Center and its companies, visit www.stpatrickcenter.org.

1. mike heck

   November 2, 2010 at 6:06 pm

   Any holiday gift ideas from any of the companies?
2. srea

   November 3, 2010 at 3:43 pm

   Yes! Stay tuned for more info…