Well-known Twin Cities chef Lachelle Cunningham is carrying on the legacy of City Food Studio with the support of MMCDC financing.
“I was connected to MMCDC through Neighborhood Development Center, and as we went through the process, it was an easy and obvious choice. MMCDC staff has been extremely graceful, responsive and supportive,” Chef Lachelle Cunningham said.
Chef Lachelle used an MMCDC loan to purchase and refresh the existing commercial kitchen, which offers rental space to food-focused business owners — from caterers, to producers, to educators.
An experienced business owner, Lachelle also operates the Healthy Roots Institute. Healthy Roots provides classes emphasizing cultural and community connection and health to community members. It also offers consulting to business owners and professional training and certifications to chefs and kitchen
staff.
Lachelle said the purchase of City Food Studio was a calling that fit with her personal mission in the food industry.
As someone who regularly works alongside early-stage food businesses, I see how much this kind of space matters. City Food Studio is located in an area where many aspiring entrepreneurs have the skill and the drive — but not always the resources or guidance — to move from idea to launch. The combination of an affordable kitchen, mentorship, and a collaborative community makes a real difference in helping people take those next steps.
— Caitlin Barnhart, Impact Now Consulting
