Watch: Kitchen 66 Program Gives New Businesses A Boost

Several entrepreneurs are working on new food start-ups through the Kitchen 66 Launch Program at Mother Road Market.

There are English and Spanish-speaking programs to give new businesses a boost. The program takes future food trucks and pop-up cafes under its wing to bring new culinary ideas and cuisine to Tulsa.

"There's only so much you can learn from a library book, but Kitchen 66 really catered to the Tulsa market,” said Manila Ice Owner Anthony Santos.

He and his wife started Manila Ice, Filipino food with a twist. Santos puts his own spin on the menu by adding a few ingredients to traditional dishes.

"We do like my childhood favorites and things that most Filipinos would know about, but it would be done a little differently,” Santos said.

He left his corporate culinary job to join the Launch Program and the couple graduated in December. Now, they own a food truck and pop-up at Kitchen 66 Takeover Cafe.

"I knew a lot about culinary things, but there was a lot I didn't know, apparently. I learned that in class,” Santos said.

The spring group of food entrepreneurs are halfway through the program. Program Director KateLynn Dunning says the 12-week course helps foodies kickstart their businesses.

"Where we cover topics such as accounting, marketing, business plans, and licensing,” Dunning said.

She says after graduation, entrepreneurs show off their food to the public and rent space at the café, food truck, or kitchen.

"We give them assistance, perks, and resources up to a year after graduating where they can get discount access to the Takeover Café,” Dunning said.

Dunning says some sell packaged goods or open catering businesses.

She says some graduates move to their own brick-and-mortar restaurants or food trucks, like Santos.

"We've already had so many things happen since then. It's been really, really incredible,” Santos said.