Pearlie’s Southern Kitchen was nominated by Mrs. Judith Collins, Senior Business Advisor, Dallas Metropolitan Small Business Development Center, and Mrs. Rose Blair, Director of Dallas Metropolitan Small Business Development Center to Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew to participate in the 2018 Concessionaire Cohort for Fairs, Festivals, and Expositions (CFFE.) Pearlie’s Southern Kitchen was extended an invitation to participate in the 2018 Cohort for Fairs, Festivals, and Expos after competing in the food competition.

The proposed project was a dynamic education series for entrepreneurs by the State Fair of Texas, Accion, the Small Business Development Center, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Pilot works, and others amazing partners. The program was a 6-month series and the goal of the program was to take existing businesses to prepare their products for inclusion into festivals and fairs in the region/State. The six-month cohort included both classroom, mentoring, and hands-on opportunities for growth and exposure to the industry. The cohort did serve as an opportunity for community, learning, and growth in an environment that encourages collaboration.

Shortly after graduating from the 2018 Concessionaire Cohort for Fairs, Festivals, and Expositions (CFFE.) Pearlie’s Southern Kitchen was offered the opportunity to be the first graduate of the CFFE program to participate as a food vendor in the State Fair of Texas.

(Historically, there is a 10-YEAR waitlist!)

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For more information on CFFE, Click Here.

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