The CoMo Cooks Shared Kitchen is a commercial kitchen and food business incubator located on The Loop. Our mission is to encourage the growth of local food entrepreneurs by creating opportunities for those without easy access to a commercial kitchen.
One way we’re making it easier for food-based businesses is through our scholarship program. Thanks to the support of Central Bank of Boone County and the City of Columbia, we are able to offer two scholarships of $3000 each plus a 6-month, Tier 1 membership in the kitchen. We are also partnering with the Missouri Women’s Business Center for free business coaching for our recipients.
Scott Pass of The Biscuit Center was our first scholarship recipient and he's going strong with a booth at the Columbia Farmers Market and a made-to-order service. In 2023, we selected Abbey Mitchell of Abbey's Swahili Delights, also a regular at the Farmers Market and who does Friday night pop-ups in our front office.
Our latest winners are La Bruja and TNT Devine.
Ashley Inez Cole leads a team of experts--and as a veteran, she's got the skills to do it. La Bruja blends Latin-inspired comfort food with artistic storytelling, cultural pride, and community connection. They don't just serve meals--they create an experience rooted in flavor, nostalgia, and identity. Right now they're running pop-ups across Columbia and are planning to expand into catering. Her ultimate goal? A brick and mortar location that's not just a restaurant but a cultural hub.
Toby Keener runs TNT Devine, a gourmet food prep service focused on health and wellness. Toby is committed to providing meals that are as nutritious as they are delicious, making healthy eating a seamless part of a person's everyday routine. Her meal planning is tailored to each individual lifestyle and her meal prep frees up time and energy. What's the future look like for Toby? Opening a gym that's integrated with her healthy meal business.
Big thanks to the City of Columbia who provided ARPA funds to help these very small businesses get a head start on making it big.
