Culinary Entrepreneurship: De Sabor del Éxito

Culinary Entrepreneurship: De Sabor del Éxito (The Taste of Success)

Join us for a vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month where Latine cuisine and entrepreneurship take center stage! Enjoy an inspiring panel discussion and Q&A with successful local Latine culinary entrepreneurs who will share how they successfully used alternative pathways to launch their culinary careers. (Alternative pathways include the development of retail products, microenterprise kitchens, event catering, Instagram sales, pop-ups, and more.) Then, cast your vote in a delicious taco-tasting competition featuring three SBCC culinary student teams. Whether you're contemplating or pursuing a culinary arts career or a food enthusiast, this is the perfect opportunity to learn from industry experts, network, access resources, and discover the secrets to turning your passion for cooking into a thriving business.

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IMPORTANT: Free Event, but Eventbrite RSVP is REQUIRED to ensure tacos for all.

• Date: Friday, October 4th, 2024
• Time: 2-3:30 PM
• Location: SBCC West Campus, Fe Bland Forum (BC Building Forum)
• Parking: Free parking is available for the event in Lots 5-2, 5-3, or 5-4.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to bring your understanding of culinary entrepreneurship opportunities to the next level and make your mark in the food industry. See you there!

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Panelists:

Silvia Franco is co-founder of with her husband, Sean Comer, inspired by her mama’s homemade salsas. After honing her entrepreneurial skills at SBCC, she launched Casa de Comer's Smokin' Good Salsas in 2018. Since then, Casa de Comer Foods has flourished, focusing on producing, packaging, and distributing high-quality, flavorful, and health-conscious salsas. Through determination, they’ve secured placements in specialty markets like Gelson's, standing among industry leaders. Casa de Comer Foods continues to expand, enriching the culinary experiences of its cherished customers.

Marcos Buenrostro is the founder of Pizzeria. A California native, Marcos developed an interest and passion for cooking at a very early age. He found himself preparing traditional dishes with his own twist. During the pandemic in 2020, he moved to Guadalupe and began making authentic wood-fired pizzas for the community. Before he knew it, people were messaging him to buy pizza. Then in 2021, Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) were authorized in California, allowing restaurant operations in private residences. Marcos was the first to apply and be approved in Santa Barbara County and opened Mexiforno out of his home kitchen. He remains thankful for the ongoing food industry learning opportunity provided by operating a MEHKO. Today Marcos is recognized as a professional Pizzaiolo Chef and Pizza Connoisseur.

Raúl Gil is founder of Mexican Food. Opened in 2000, the restaurant specializes and takes pride in authentic Mexican food, and is well known for the daily specials and home-made style of Caldos, Menudo, Chiles Rellenos, Carnitas, and Chile Verde. Raul caters many weddings and events from 10 to 500 people with clients including the Santa Barbara School District, SBCC, and sports organizations. He is a long-time, active, and involved Santa Barbara resident, entrepreneur, organizer, motivational speaker, and member of our Santa Barbara community. He is also a first-generation immigrant from Mexico and comes from a big family of 12 siblings.

Host or Publisher Rising Scholars and the Scheinfeld Center