Community Kitchen Initiative

Martha’s Table’s Community Kitchen is designed to promote upward economic mobility. The program supports culinary entrepreneurs’ business knowledge and growth, expands their ability to serve more customers, and creates the foundation for long-term success! Martha’s Table operates this program in partnership with the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), whose mission is to drive the economic and social advancement of low-to-moderate-income Latinos and other underserved communities by equipping them with the skills and tools to achieve financial independence and become leaders in their communities.

Participants benefit from:

• Fully Equipped Commercial Kitchen – Over 1,000 square feet of kitchen space with commercial-grade equipment to support small food businesses.
• Expert Guidance & Training – A dedicated Community Kitchen Manager provides hands-on training in kitchen operations, food safety, and licensing/compliance.
• Collaborative Cohort Model – Join a small group of Ward 8 food entrepreneurs to share insights, grow networks, and exchange best practices.
• Access to Key Resources – Connect with culinary innovators, government agencies, nonprofit partners, funding sources, and experienced mentors.
• Comprehensive Storage Solutions – Utilize dry, refrigerated, and freezer storage to keep ingredients and products fresh.
• Business & Financial Training – Gain essential skills in business planning, financial management, marketing, and food safety.
• Ongoing Mentorship & Support – Receive continuous coaching to help grow and sustain your food business.

• Gesenia Corea, Side Dish Queen
  • A private chef in the Washington region, Corea specializes in meal prep, in-home chef services, and catering for parties and corporate events. Corea focuses on healthy, clean, and gut-friendly food preparation, with a strong emphasis on convenience. She aspires to build a meal prep service that serves the DMV and beyond and to give back to the community through training and educating high schoolers on healthy cooking.
• Yessica Guerra, Los Quesos
  • Guerra’s business, Los Quesos, specializes in pupusas and other Central American specialties. A 2002 FVI LEDC graduate, Guerra is a Ward 8 resident and business owner dedicated to promoting Central American cuisine in the local community through meal delivery and catering services.
• Christa and Terry Joyner, Mamma Tee’s Kitchen
  • Operating a catering and meal prep business, the Joyner duo, residents of Ward 8, brings their passion for cooking and family values to their culinary endeavors. Their menu features a wide range of dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Brett Dyer, Wolfmoon Catering
  • Founded in 2013, Wolfmoon Catering, steered by culinary maestro Brett Dyer, introduces a unique blend of soul food with Native American flavors. Overcoming challenges after a 2015 stroke, Brett’s rejuvenated zeal propels him to revive his grandmother-inspired business dream.

• What is the Community Kitchen Initiative?

  The Community Kitchen program will provide aspiring food business owners with access to the Martha’s Table state-of-the-art commercial kitchen facility. Martha’s Table has organized the program in partnership with the Latino Economic Development Center’s (LEDC) Food Venture Initiative (FVI) to support the growth and development of business owners of color who either work or live in Ward 8.

  In addition to access to a best-in-class kitchen, Martha’s Table and the LEDC Food Venture Initiative will provide comprehensive training, resources, and mentorship to help the entrepreneurs build and scale profitable and sustainable food businesses in the competitive industry.

• Who is LEDC? What role do they play in the partnership?

  The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) is a community-based, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to drive the economic and social advancement of low-to moderate-income Latinos and other underserved communities by equipping them with the skills and tools to achieve financial independence and become leaders in their communities. LEDC offers a range of supports and services to equip Latinos and other underserved communities with the skills and financial tools to create a better future for their families and communities.

• What are the eligibility requirements to participate in this program?

  In alignment with its place-based approach, Martha’s Table prioritizes enrollment for the growth and development of business owners of color who either work or live in Ward 8

  Prior to any kitchen use, approved food entrepreneurs must submit the following completed documents: 

   

  • Business registration
  • Clean Hands Certificate issued by the DC Office of Tax and Revenue 
  • Certificate of Good Standing
  • Food Manager Certification
  • Food Manager’s Certificate/Card
  • Kitchen Facilities Use Agreement – provided by Martha’s Table
  • Kitchen Use Release and Waiver – provided by Martha’s Table
  • Copy of Insurance
  • Copy of Food Entrepreneur Business Plan
• Who can I contact?

  If you have any questions about the Community Kitchen program please submit inquiries via communitykitchen@marthastable.org 

  A member of our Community Kitchen team will follow up with you to provide follow-up support.

• What can I do if Martha’s Table is not currently accepting applications?

  The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) oversees a kitchen matchmaking program that is designed to match food entrepreneurs with commercial kitchens in the city. In addition to kitchen matching they also offer a suite of training to increase skills and capacity pertinent to business growth. If you are interested in learning more about the program offerings please visit the website below. 

  https://www.ledcmetro.org/food-venture-initiative