Memphis, Tenn (August 27, 2024) - As part of the ScaleUp Kitchen program, which helps food entrepreneurs grow their businesses, 20 Tennessee-based participants pitched their ideas to a panel of judges. Five entrepreneurs won prizes ranging from $6,000 to $20,000, with Skillet Junction from Downtown Jackson, Tennessee, taking first place. Good Fortune and Riko’s Kickin Chicken, both from Memphis, Tennessee, secured second place and tied for third, respectively.

"From over 50 applications, we selected 20 entrepreneurs to participate in the ScaleUp Kitchen program. We've developed a curriculum designed to improve their operational efficiency, boost sales, and maximize profits,” said Lisa Brown, facilitator of ScaleUp and food entrepreneur. 

“Over the past four months, with guidance from industry professionals, we've invested numerous hours in coaching and consulting these entrepreneurs. Now, they’re ready to take their businesses to the next level. We’re eager to see new restaurant openings and expansions in the coming months!"

Out of 20 total participants, the winners are as follows:

• First place: Skillet Junction, Jackson, Tenn.

• Second place: Good Fortune, Memphis, Tenn. 

• Third place: Littlebird Bar & Restaurant, Jackson, Tenn.

• Third Place: Riko’s Kickin Chicken, Memphis, Tenn.

• Third Place: The Cellar Restaurant & Prohibition Bar, Covington, Tenn.

ScaleUp was designed for food-based businesses aiming to scale and prepare for regional procurement opportunities in Fayette, Haywood, Madison, Shelby, and Tipton counties with support from Ford Philanthropy and hosted by Epicenter and theCO. ScaleUp Kitchen’s programming helped entrepreneurs with branding, communications, planning, and strategy. The goal of ScaleUp was to empower food entrepreneurs for regional success. The free program provided a 3-day accelerator, one-to-one consulting, a food showcase and a pitch competition with substantial prizes ranging from $6,000 to $20,000 for up to five recipients.

Throughout the month of August, ScaleUp participants showcased their food and pitched their ideas to a panel of judges. Each pitch event had a 5 person judging panel, composed of two representatives from the Ford Motor Company with experience in food entrepreneurship and purchasing, as well as local commercial lenders. The participants were judged on eight criteria: problem or need, solution, industry/market analysis, target audience, business model, traction, scalability/feasibility, and investment attractiveness. 

“Through both the showcase events and pitches it was amazing to hear the ScaleUp participants clearly communicate the investment they need to scale. We surely do not have a shortage of talented entrepreneurs in West Tennessee and we're so thankful for the Ford Philanthropy for providing these resources to help get these businesses to the next level of growth,” Lisa Garner, CEO of theCO said. 

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About Epicenter
Epicenter is committed to supporting the growth of innovation-driven businesses in the Greater Memphis region. With a focus on startups that leverage Memphis’ industrial strengths in Supply Chain and Logistics, MedTech, and Advanced Manufacturing, Epicenter offers targeted programs to help entrepreneurs secure capital, develop their companies, and connect with industry customers, helping them to scale in Memphis. Epicenter’s capital readiness programming is supported by a CRP grant from the Minority Business Development Agency.

Media Contact:
Jonel Turner
jonel@epicentermemphis.org