Gatlin’s BBQ & Catering LLC

Gatlin‘s BBQ a family-owned and operated establishment serving classic Southern barbecue. Opening its doors in 2010, it quickly became a hidden gem in Houston. After receiving numerous local and statewide accolades, Gatlin‘s was regarded as the go-to craft barbecue joint in Houston. As the BBQ scene in Houston continued to grow, so did Gatlin‘s  BBQ. In 2015 Gatlin’s moved to its current location in Oak Forest, where it continues to thrive. The building and location may have changed, but the heart and soul are still the same! So get on over to Gatlin‘s barbecue, where love is the secret.

Gatlin’s BBQ is a recipient and beneficiary of the $10,000 grant given by the Pepsi Foundation “Pepsi Dig In Team” in collaboration with the Strength of a Woman Festival presented by Mary J. Blige.

 

 

Birdz Bitez, LLC

“We have been on a roller coaster ride since the Pitch Competition. We had two goals entering this program, to achieve the skills needed to run a successful business and obtain funding. We accomplished both. We received a $50,000 SBA loan from LiftFund to fund our business. First, I would like to 1st start by giving Mr. Mark a special THANK YOU! You have been such a rock since I started the HAUL program. You constantly push me to elevate myself and my business. You never gave up on me. You believe in me so much you connected me with Mr. Francisco at LiftFund, who has been a pleasure to work with. Ms. Weaver and Ms. Patterson, the suggestions each of you gave me on my business plan helped me secure the bag. Mr. Francisco constantly raved about how he loved my business plan. I was able to pitch my business and target customer with ease. This is just the beginning. I will be completing 4 part workshop with Speakhaus to improve my pitching skills in October. My 2023 goal is to enter HCC Business Plan Program and win one pitch competition. We are going to work on a plan to manufacture our BBQ Sauce. (Scalability) Ms. Weaver and Mr. Mark keep the pitch competition emails coming. I review each and every one. I am so excited about what the future holds for BIRDZ BITEZ. I look forward to hosting a dinner (free of charge) for the Fall or Spring Class when our trailer is completed. The estimated finish date for our trailer is Early November. Once again, THANK YOU to each and every one of you for your dedication and help. The knowledge you give to small businesses is priceless.” -Shana Joseph, HAUL EC Client, Owner and Operator of Birdz Bitez LLC.

Shana Joseph is a recent graduate and Owner of Bird Birdz Bitez LLC. She received $10,000.00 as a grant recipient of the Pepsi Black Restaurant Accelerator Program, which will help her business continue to scale and grow.
 

Micheaux’s Southern Cuisine

Micheaux’s Southern Cuisine serves authentic Southern favorites, including herb-baked chicken, fried chicken, meatloaf with rice, and smothered pork chop, along with sides such as his great-grandma Lucy Ann’s southern fried corn, okra and tomato, collard greens, black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes and more. In addition, Micheaux's serves an array of homemade desserts

including his grandmother Uberta’s homemade banana pudding, grandma Delores’ buttered crusted peach cobbler, assorted homemade cakes, and pies, all made from scratch.

The family-owned restaurant offers these dishes both through its restaurant and catering service.

Chef Michaeaux and his wife are recipients of the $10,000 grant awarded through the Pepsi Black Restaurant Accelerator program. Micheaux’s Southern Cuisine is also a vendor of Pepsi.
 

Bee Fit Food

Billyssia Pierce’s passion was to become a certified personal trainer eight years ago. Obtaining clients was easy; her challenge was getting her clients to manage their diets. “I’ve always wanted to expand Bee Fit Solutions, my personal training business, and add Bee Fit Foods, but I kept pushing it off,” she says

Pierce got tired of seeing her clients struggle with their nutrition, so she took matters into her own hands. “One day I began to cook for them. As the word grew that pre-packaged healthy meals were available, my company began to take off,” she says. Within two years, Bee Fit Foods has grown to be one of the top meal-prep companies in Houston.

Bee Fit Foods is a healthy meal prep company that provides everything prep, no matter your goals, losing weight, gaining weight, or even maintaining.

Billyssia is a recipient of the $10,000 grant awarded for being selected for the Pepsi Black Restaurant Accelerator Program. She was not only thankful for being recognized by the affiliate, but she mentioned this grant will help her and the Bee Fit Food team reach its goals for the year.”

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