2025 ScaleUp Kitchen Participants
Powered by the Ford Philanthropy and facilitated by theCO, ScaleUp Kitchen is a business development program aimed at supporting food entrepreneurs. ScaleUp Kitchen’s programming will help entrepreneurs improve kitchen and business operations, increase profitability, and maximize sales.
Here, you can read more about each business and entrepreneur participating in the showcase and pitch competition. Come see what’s next for West Tennessee’s food scene at the Taste & Tell event on September 18th from 4-7pm. This come-and-go tasting event is at The Stella in Downtown Jackson. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door, and include food samples from each of the featured businesses.
Lamonica Cunningham
Got Dough Cookies & More sells gourmet cookies, cookie cakes, cheesecakes, cakes, and gourmet banana puddings.
Instagram: @gotdoughcookies
Facebook: Got Dough Cookies & More
Kydavia Hassell
Gimme Sugar bakery is an amazing trendy bakery that specializes in gourmet eats such as cookies, custom cakes, famous banana pudding & amazing chicken salad! We also offer our mobile dessert bar for all of your special events! If you’re looking to learn cake decorating or just have fun with friends and families we also offer in person & virtual classes!
Instagram: @gimmesugarbakery
Facebook: Gimme Sugar Bakery
Raven Pearson
Symon’e Seafood Station is a family-owned restaurant in Jackson, Tennessee, serving up fresh, flavorful seafood with a soulful twist. Known for its signature crab boils, shrimp bowls, seafood-loaded potatoes, and homemade specialties, the restaurant has quickly built a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for good food, warm hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere. With Raven Symon’e in the kitchen crafting every dish with love and her son and mom helping up front, Symon’e Seafood Station is more than just a place to eat—it’s a community gathering spot where great food, family, and faith come together.
Facebook: Symon’e Seafood Station
James Sneed
Divine Grille was born from a love of food, family, and faith, rooted in Southern traditions and bold flavors. What started with family recipes and a FedEx chili cook-off win grew into a mission to serve communities through unforgettable cuisine. Since then, they’ve catered 100+ events, built a five-star reputation, and served organizations like the Memphis Lady Tigers, Pathway to Possibilities, and the Boys & Girls Club.
Facebook: Divine Grille
Stacy Hammond Sangster
Mocha Flava Catering & Event Planning
Mocha Flava Productions Catering and Event Planning is a one-stop-shop that specializes in both catering and event planning services. Starting as a planning and catering business in 1994 and expanding with a food truck in 2024, the company offers a variety of flavorful food for events while also providing decoration and planning expertise to create elegant and memorable experiences for its clients. Located near Brownsville, Tennessee, the business is able to cater, plan, and decorate a wide range of events.
Instagram: @mmochaflava1973
Rebecca Creasy
Gylden Bake House started in 2025 to bring high quality, unique breads and pastries to Jackson, Tn. As the only bakery of it’s kind in the area, Gylden is committed to not only producing the highest quality goods, but bringing the community together through food.
Instagram: @gyldenbakehouse
Facebook: Gylden Bake House
Robyn Winston-Hicks
Blissful Boards Charcuterie Co.
Blissful Boards Charcuterie Co. brings joy to the table with beautifully crafted charcuterie boxes, boards, cups, and grazing tables that turn any gathering into a celebration. Based in Jackson, Tennessee, we mix fresh flavors with creative presentation,think brunch boards, candy boards, seasonal spreads, and even a mobile charcuterie cart that makes entertaining effortless and fun. Our boards aren’t just food; they’re experiences designed to spark conversation, connection, and lasting memories. At Blissful Boards, we believe every occasion deserves a touch of bliss, and we’re passionate about sharing that joy with our community one board at a time.
Instagram: @blissful_boardscharcuterie_co
Keneko Claybon
The SugarSpoon Hometown Bakeshop, opening at the end of September in the newly renovated former Post Office at 12151 Main Street in Mason, Tennessee, is your local destination for freshly baked cupcakes and other sweet treats made right on site. Serving the community since 2013, Sugarspoon invites you to stop by for their rotating daily selections, place special event orders, or order online. With hometown warmth and flavor, SugarSpoon Hometown Bakeshop offers a convenient and delicious way for residents and visitors alike to satisfy their sugar cravings while supporting the local economy.
Andrea Moore
“Where barbecue meets soul food—and every plate feels like home.” Chelle’s BBQ Soulfood and More is redefining downtown Jackson’s food scene with authentic Southern barbecue and soul food rooted in tradition. As a family-owned business, Chelle’s blends flavor, culture, and community to create an experience that goes beyond the plate. Located at 70 New Market Street beside the Farmers Market and across from The AMP, Chelle’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a gathering place where good food, tradition, and Southern hospitality come together one plate at a time.
Facebook: Chelle’s BBQ Soulfood & More
Paola & Casey Burns
Based in Jackson, Tennessee, Gourmet Your Way has specialized in corporate catering and food service since 2001, serving fresh breakfasts, lunches, and dinners across West Tennessee. From casual drop-off meals to full-service events with entrées, hors d’oeuvres, and plated dinners, we make every gathering stress-free and memorable. With GYW To Go available weekdays—featuring salads, casseroles, daily specials, and desserts—and reliable delivery within a two-hour radius, we’re committed to bringing great food and service to you.
Instagram: @gourmetyourwaycatering
Facebook: Gourmet Your Way
Keesha Fonville
Chicago Jerk House is a Caribbean full service restaurant. They specialize in Jamaican Jerk spices along with a twist of their own flavors. Chicago Jerk House has been in business 10yrs and they are looking to expand out further.
Instagram: @chicagojerkhouse
Facebook: Chicago Jerk House