'Takes Time And Dedication': Tulsa's Kitchen 66 Program Accepting New Applicants

The Kitchen 66 Program at Mother Road Market is now accepting new applicants.

Since its launch in 2016, it has helped more than 200 food entrepreneurs, and it wants to help more.

Many chefs have a passion for food, but owning and operating a restaurant requires more than a dream.

"You need to be a hard worker, and you need to be able to work for your business to make it happen," said Carla Meneses. "Sometimes you have to work 16 hours a day, especially when you start until you find the right people, and that takes time and dedication, so that's something that people have to understand because it's easy to put it on paper, but it's harder to make it happen."

Carla Meneses owns Que Gusto in the heart of the Arts District.

She went through the Kitchen 66 program at Mother Road Market to help her reach her dream of sharing her Ecuadorian recipes.

"Kitchen 66 prepared me for this because we are just starting in a space without real experience and ability to test our products. We have to create a menu and see what people like and how people respond to that idea," she said.

Karissa Smith is the director of the Kitchen 66 program. She says the program will look a little different this year, with more emphasis on creating business plans.

"We decided to make the change because, honestly, we saw the hurt of food entrepreneurs and the things we were having to struggle with as the economy and other things were changing. Having a dream is great, but it's hard right now, especially for food entrepreneurs, and we needed to address some of the business side things," Smith said.

Carla says this program update will be beneficial and hopes other chefs will reach their dreams through Kitchen 66.

"When you cook and serve a dish, you do it with love and get to share your culture with other people, so for me, it's the best part. Meet all the customers, be in the community, so I think we are blessed," she said.

The last day to apply is August 10 and classes will start September 16.