Mama's

Nothing brings church and state together better than good food!

Bishop Jon Bruno, leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, presented Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard with the key to Mama's Small Business Kitchen Incubator during an open house today.

Dozens of people were on hand, from elected officials and funders to community leaders and local residents. Perhaps best of all, each of the 30 small business enterprises were there with samples of their food, including Auntie Fruf's Aahsome Fudge, Texas Fajita Company and Green Apple Gourmet.


Here's one of several very large kitchens -- empty when I shot this because all the entrepreneurs were serving their wonderful food in another part of the building.

Created by the diocese and funded in part by a Community Development Block Grant from the City of Pasadena, Mama's is a commercial food preparation and education area designed to help small-business entrepreneurs start new food-based businesses; and accelerate the growth and success of existing enterprises.

See this morning's Pasadena Star-News article here.

And there's an interesting photo gallery of a couple of the entrepreneurs in action here.

It can be intimidating -- and risky -- for a foodie to start a first-time business; the capital costs of the kitchen equipment alone can be astronomical. So Mama's provides this large facility where these entrepreneurs can achieve their dreams by using shared kitchens and taking the time to develop their skills and business plans.

Dreams do come true in Pasadena!

Mama's Small Business Kitchen Incubator is at 45 N. San Gabriel Blvd., one block north of Colorado on the west side of the street. Stop by for a tour any Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (626) 744-9995.