It’s often said that kitchens are the heart of the home, and at Tayybeh this couldn’t be more true. While the kitchen plays an intrinsic role in our success as a catering company, its significance runs deeper than just simple necessity.
Starting a BIPOC Business In a Safe Space
As a social enterprise made up of Syrian refugee women, many of our chefs experienced a deep culture shock upon arrival in Canada. As stay-at-home wives and mothers in Syria with no prior work experience, navigating a business was an unfamiliar concept. When we discovered Commissary Connect, a shared kitchen space in Vancouver, it quickly became a vital part of our business journey.
Not only can we enjoy the convenience of high quality, commercial kitchen equipment and storage, but the safe space it offers, too. Each one of our chefs met with other Syrian refugee women, who shared the same circumstance and experience. The friendly, collaborative environment of Commissary Connect helped to mitigate the feelings of loss and isolation that many refugees suffer from.
The Power of a Kitchen Community
From the very beginning, the team at Commissary Connect showed a genuine interest in Tayybeh. They wanted to know our company story and how they could help assist us on our growth journey. Before starting at Commissary Connect, we had virtually no experience in the food industry.
Thankfully, the team was there to address any queries we had about equipment, time slots or pricing. They also showed a genuine commitment to supporting our success as a Middle Eastern food company. We found ourselves surrounded by some of Vancouver's finest local food companies to share the kitchen space with. We could learn from them quickly, and forge wonderful relationships with our kitchen neighbours.
Supporting our Growth Journey from Day One
When Tayybeh we began operating as a BIPOC business in 2016, we had only four chefs. Now, we have a team of ten Syrian women to create our signature Middle Eastern and vegan meals. While this may have been challenging for other kitchen rental companies, Commissary Connect worked with us to find the most cost effective solution.
The company ensured we had the space and equipment we needed to continue to grow and operate as a larger team. We're able to offer meal delivery and meal prep services, cook authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, and put together delicious vegan meals for our customers - all in a high quality, efficient and friendly kitchen space.
24/7 Access, High Quality Equipment and Community Collaboration
A membership with Commissary Connect means having 24/7 access to the kitchen, which has been very useful for changing working schedules! It’s easy to book with a remote online system and scheduling of equipment. We have a dedicated workstation with a prep table, dry and cold storage and access to other shared sinks and work tables.
It’s been clear since working with Commissary Connect that the company highly values community and collaboration. Tayybeh has felt supported through every stage of our journey as Commissary Connect has really welcomed us into their kitchen community. It's truly a company we would recommend to any business, regardless of size, background or where they are in their journey.
Find out more about how Commissary Connect can support your business.
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