HARTFORD, CT – October 1, 2025 – reSET, Connecticut's leading hub for growing impact-driven businesses throughout Hartford, New Haven, and statewide, is proud to introduce 11 impact-driven food businesses represented by 12 entrepreneurs for its second Food Accelerator cohort. The three month program primes impact-driven food businesses to sustainably scale, hire and streamline operations. In collaboration with Liberty Bank and Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), the Food Accelerator provides the operational management, financial literacy, and client development resources needed to increase their community and economic growth. 

Save the date for November 10th, when reSET hosts Foodie Demo Day! Meet this new generation of Connecticut’s growing food businesses. Network with potential investors, customers, and community partners while sampling their best bites.

"Since 2019 reSET and our partners have served over 150 food entrepreneurs in our Food Incubator and Accelerator programs, and we’re excited to welcome12 more this fall,” said Sarah Bodley, Executive Director of reSET. "There is so much happening in Connecticut’s food ecosystem, and we’re proud to support entrepreneurs looking to grow, scale and engage in new ways with their communities.” 

"From international comfort foods, to private catering services, to plant-forward wellness products, the 2025 Food Accelerator entrepreneurs aren’t just building businesses—they're creating cultural bridges, improving food access, and reimagining how we think about nutrition and community," said Katrice Claudio, reSET's Food Program Manager. "These businesses represent exactly the kind of impact-driven ventures our accelerator is designed to support—companies that understand food's power to create positive change."

The selected entrepreneurs bring innovative approaches to food entrepreneurship are:

Brittney's Famous Alabama Kitchen (Brittney Michelle Williams) reimagines soul food with bold global flavors, through catering, private dinners, and immersive culinary experiences that celebrate tradition while embracing innovation.

Empanadictas LLC (Marta Bibiana Garcia Barrios) specializes in corn flour empanadas featuring traditional Colombian recipes.

Evjoy (Evelyn Castro) produces specialty baked goods focused on "true deliciousness" using locally-sourced ingredients without additives or artificial preservatives, founded after 19 years of baking experience.

Kayjun Katering (Carlene Obot) operates as a plant-forward wellness and catering social enterprise, creating gluten-free, organic snack bars while addressing food access and health equity in underserved communities.

Los Barbados (Mark Belgrave and Marisa Belgrave) brings authentic Bajan cuisine made with homemade spices through catering and pop-up restaurant experiences.

Momentum Spice (Alwyn Clarke) develops seasonings, sauces, and wholesome snacks, helping home cooks bring health and flavor to homemade dishes.

Mothers Moss LLC (Michael Johnson) focuses on making superfoods more accessible to promote healthy eating awareness.

Table For Eleven (Tiffany Walton) a catering company providing Caribbean-inspired cuisine that is well-balanced without compromising flavor.

Tamarind & Thyme (Chef Damone Johnson) blends bold Caribbean flavors with upscale, globally inspired cuisine, delivering unforgettable dining experiences—from intimate tastings to luxury events and street food pop-ups.

The Paki Taco (Suleman Dode) blends South Asian cultures with South American flavor, delivering unique fusion flavors to Connecticut's food scene.

True Serenity Tea (Patricia Callwood) creates luxury loose-leaf blends that merge wellness, culture, and elegance.

About the Food Accelerator

The 12-week hybrid program provides participants with hands-on business support, expert mentorship, and community connections through weekly workshops and implementation sessions. Topics covered include customer understanding, business model strengthening, team building, sustainable scaling, and impact storytelling. The financial education component of the program this year is offered thanks to an educational partnership with Liberty Bank and Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC). Upon successful program completion, each entrepreneur will be eligible to apply for up to $2,000 in small business grants made possible through funding from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.

Since launching in 2023, reSET's Food Accelerator has supported Connecticut food entrepreneurs in building systems and strategies to scale beyond handling everything themselves, with many alumni going on to secure additional funding, expand operations, and deepen their community impact.

About reSET: 

Founded in 2007, reSET is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Hartford, CT, whose mission is advancing the social enterprise sector and providing inclusive entrepreneurial support across Connecticut. In February 2025, reSET acquired New Haven-based Collab, combining complementary strengths to create a more robust ecosystem for impact-driven entrepreneurs throughout the region. reSET specializes in social enterprise — impact-driven businesses with double or triple bottom lines — providing coworking space, accelerator programs, and mentoring services that inspire innovation and community collaboration. To date, reSET and Collab have assisted over 500 small businesses to start and grow with impact, and reached thousands more through low-touch supports. Visit resetco.org to learn more.

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