Feed the Soul Foundation Launches Culinary Business Network to Educate + Empower Entrepreneurs Amid Industry Challenges

Digital Platform Powered by Grubhub Community Fund Designed to Revive Entrepreneurs with Expert-led Experiences

HOUSTON, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The culinary industry is fast-paced, competitive and at times, can induce isolation for many entrepreneurs. It continues to be impacted by economic pressures from tariff uncertainties and labor shortages to technology adaptation. The James Beard Foundation's 2025 report found 72% of restaurants had flat or declining traffic while rising costs in labor, food, and rent made it harder to grow profits. In response to escalating challenges faced, Feed the Soul Foundation proudly announces the launch of its Culinary Business Network (CBN), made possible by a grant from the Grubhub Community Fund.

For less than $1 a day, this digital platform offers tailored memberships and essential support to food entrepreneurs – helping restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and chefs feel less alone in their journey.

Modeled after focused communities like Facebook Groups or Reddit, The Culinary Business Network offers a collaborative space for culinary entrepreneurs to learn, connect, and grow. Launched in response to feedback from Feed the Soul Foundation's Restaurant Business Development Program, the platform — supported by the Grubhub Community Fund — the need for a digital hub focused on education and support.

Feed the Soul Foundation previewed the network last fall with its 60% Pledge, aimed at reducing restaurant failure through education and consulting. Now, it's expanding to offer continued learning, mentorship, and digital support for culinary entrepreneurs. Building on the program's success, the foundation is expanding to provide ongoing learning, mentorship, and digital support for culinary entrepreneurs.

"Many food business owners have told me how overwhelming it feels to navigate challenges alone," says Karina Fernandez, Program Director at Feed the Soul Foundation. "With so many businesses at risk of closing, it's critical to offer support they can easily access. That's why we launched the Culinary Business Network."

Culinary Business Network Membership Perks:

Monthly Platform Features and Benefits:

• Connect
  • Monthly Let's Toast virtual happy hours for networking & milestone celebrations
  • Peer-to-peer communities by business type (e.g., bakeries, food trucks, bars)
• Learn
• • Expert Connect sessions and masterminds
  • Monthly consultant office hours
  • 24/7 digital business training
  • Exclusive industry access & updates
• Grow
  • Access grants, consulting, and a curated resource hub
  • On-demand training & replays from the Global Culinary Conference

"At Grubhub, supporting independent restaurants and partnering to create more opportunities in the hospitality industry are key pillars of our impact work. We are proud to partner with organizations that have a shared passion for supporting entrepreneurs," said Brianna Morris, senior manager, community impact for Grubhub. "Our support of The Culinary Business Network and Feed the Soul's Restaurant Business Development Program is a reflection of Grubhub's ongoing commitment to empower business owners and create more opportunities for growth. This initiative provides expert guidance and cultivates a robust community to support business owners as they navigate the everyday challenges of entrepreneurship and operating a food business."

"The Culinary Business Network was created to tackle food industry fluctuations head-on, providing a community that understands the shared pain points of culinary entrepreneurs," said Falayn Ferrell, Chairwoman of Feed the Soul Foundation.

For more information and to join the Culinary Business Network, visit feedthesoulfou.org/culinary-business-network.

About Feed the Soul Foundation:

Feed the Soul Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2020, with a mission to provide a pathway of growth and sustainability to marginalized culinary businesses and students, through business development, education, grants, and scholarships.

SOURCE Feed the Soul Foundation