#United States #Houston #Culinary Business Network #Feed the Soul #Grubhub Community Fund

Feed the Soul Foundation Launches Culinary Business Network

In an era where the culinary industry faces unprecedented challenges, the Feed the Soul Foundation has stepped up to empower and support food entrepreneurs with the launch of its Culinary Business Network (CBN). This innovative platform, backed by a grant from the Grubhub Community Fund, aims to educate, connect, and uplift those navigating the complexities of running a food business.

The culinary landscape today is not only fast-paced but also inundated with pressures stemming from economic uncertainties, labor shortages, and the imperative for technological adaptation. Recent findings from the James Beard Foundation's 2025 report highlighted that a staggering 72% of restaurants experienced stagnant or declining traffic, while rising costs in labor, food, and rent significantly hampered profit growth. In light of these pressing issues, the Culinary Business Network aims to foster a supportive community for restaurateurs, food truck operators, caterers, and chefs.

Affordable Support and Tailored Memberships

For less than $1 a day, CBN provides a digital platform that encompasses tailored memberships designed to offer essential support to culinary entrepreneurs. This collaborative hub is modeled after popular online communities, such as Facebook Groups and Reddit, to cultivate an environment conducive to learning and connection. The CBN offers a space where food entrepreneurs can trade ideas, share best practices, and foster relationships with like-minded individuals.

The initiative follows the success of the Feed the Soul Foundation's Restaurant Business Development Program, which revealed a significant need for resources and educational support among culinary professionals. The CBN is thus an extension of this vision, focusing on providing continuous learning, mentorship, and digital resources that can help food entrepreneurs thrive.

Building Community and Nurturing Growth

Karina Fernandez, Program Director at Feed the Soul Foundation, emphasizes the critical importance of community support in the food industry. She states, "Many food business owners have told me how overwhelming it feels to navigate challenges alone. With so many businesses at risk of closing, it's critical to offer support they can easily access. That's why we launched the Culinary Business Network."

Membership Features

Membership in the Culinary Business Network comes with an array of valuable features:

• - Connect: Monthly virtual networking events, known as "Let's Toast" happy hours, allow members to celebrate milestones and share experiences. Additionally, peer-to-peer groups based on business type foster targeted discussions and collaborations.
• - Learn: Members have access to expert-led sessions, mastermind groups, and monthly office hours with consultants. Furthermore, the platform offers 24/7 access to digital business training and exclusive industry updates.
• - Grow: The CBN provides access to grants, consulting services, and a curated resource hub designed to equip food entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed. On-demand training replays from the Global Culinary Conference are also available to help members stay informed and ahead of industry trends.

Brianna Morris, senior manager of community impact for Grubhub, notes, "At Grubhub, supporting independent restaurants and partnering to create more opportunities in the hospitality industry are key pillars of our impact work. Our collaboration with Feed the Soul Foundation through the Culinary Business Network reflects our commitment to empowering business owners and creating opportunities for growth."

Addressing Industry Fluctuations

Falayn Ferrell, Chairwoman of Feed the Soul Foundation, emphasizes the organization's mission to tackle fluctuations in the food industry directly. She states, "The Culinary Business Network was created to provide a community that understands the shared pain points of culinary entrepreneurs." By offering a centralized space for support, the Foundation aims to alleviate feelings of isolation and uncertainty that many food business owners face.

To learn more about the Culinary Business Network and join this innovative community, interested entrepreneurs can visit feedthesoulfou.org/culinary-business-network.

Conclusion

The launch of the Culinary Business Network by the Feed the Soul Foundation represents a pivotal step towards revitalizing the culinary industry and supporting its entrepreneurs. As they face mounting challenges, having a community and a wealth of resources available will be instrumental in ensuring that food businesses not only survive but thrive in today's competitive landscape.