Startup Tucson introduces 15 new businesses to the local restaurant scene

Startup Tucson recently announced the latest round of entrepreneurs to graduate from its “Recipes for Success Food Accelerator.”

The third cohort to complete the Accelerator, part of a $300,000 USDA grant secured in 2020, included 15 food entrepreneurs as they journeyed a 10-week program committed to the growth and development of their businesses.

Recipes for Success’ 15 companies demonstrated their food products while secret judges voted on the presented business models while the community voted for the People’s Choice Award. Taking the top prize of $500 was King’s Kreations Catering. A second prize was awarded to Flaming Oats, and the People’s Choice Award went to Casa Modern.

The accelerator concluded with the Food Forward Showcase, a graduation and celebration of the cohort’s hard work, and provided an opportunity to reveal their food products to the local Tucson community.

The showcase was hosted at the University of Arizona’s FORGE at Roy Place and featured keynote speaker Felipe Garcia, President and CEO of Visit Tucson, catering by Flora’s Market Run, local Arizona wines from Sand-Reckoner Vineyards, and beer from Ten55 Brewing Company.

Food Accelerator Graduates

• Blondies
• Boujee Pops
• Casa Modern
• Chocolate 66
• Flaming Oats
• Home Away From Home Salsa
• Keto Fresh Bakery
• King’s Kreations Catering
• Liz Bakes
• On Top of Spaghetti
• Sonoran Salsa Works
• SouperFoods
• Nana’s Tamales
• Myco Munchies
• Yummy Crumbs

While Recipe of Success’ funding from the USDA will end in the fall of 2023, Startup Tucson is still committed to continuing this program. In fact, they’re currently seeking additional funding sources and partnerships to ensure its ongoing success.

Since launch, we have graduated more than 50 food companies into our ecosystem from this program. They are at markets, selling online and building their businesses here in our food ecosystem, it’s been tremendously impactful.

-Liz Pocock, CEO of Startup Tucson

Startup Tucson’s fourth cohort of the free food accelerator will launch in the spring of 2023.

For more information, visit startuptucson.com.