For several years, New Hill Development Corporation operated the BEACON (Black Entrepreneurial Advancement & Community Opportunity Network) Pilot Kitchen across the street from the James Monroe Library in Charlottesville. After helping a multitude of food entrepreneurs to start and build their businesses, New Hill looked to expand the operation, and in 2025, it opened a larger shared-use commercial kitchen on Carlton Road to offer even more space and services to budding chefs and business owners.
“As part of the Star Hill Vision Plan, New Hill consistently heard from the community that there were not enough opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to successfully launch or grow food businesses in Charlottesville,” said Communications Director Malaika Karriem. “The barriers were clear -- lack of access to affordable commercial kitchen space, limited mentorship, and few business development resources tailored to early-stage food entrepreneurs. BEACON Kitchen was created to directly address those gaps.”
The organization has grown to serve a diverse population of makers from passionate hobbyists to those looking to build a business by providing an affordable, fully-equipped commercial kitchen space, hands-on training, and wraparound business support. Its staff works with individuals to build skills that range from food costing and recipe development to newer offerings like marketing and accounting. “We always wanted education to be a big part of BEACON. So, we are proud that today BEACON is a place for learning, growth, and community,” Karriem said. “We’re launching a food service curriculum that teaches members how to manage kitchens, lead teams, and run food businesses efficiently.”
BEACON has attracted many members who craft in its kitchen space, from caterers and food truck owners who specialize in BBQ or pastries to bakers and juice makers. Two of the businesses that have joined as members since the opening of the new location -- Mint Kitchen and Penny’s Imperfect Pizza -- are grateful for the opportunity to be able to learn from and work with BEACON, as well as collaborate with other entrepreneurs.
“We always wanted to open a food business, but financially it was hard to imagine opening a full restaurant,” said Minhaj Akthar, co-owner of Mint Kitchen. “When we learned about BEACON Kitchen, it felt like the perfect way to begin. It gave us a real opportunity to start without the huge cost and risk.” Originally from Sri Lanka, Akthar and his wife, Fathima Raheema Mohamed Jawfer, prepare South Indian dishes like dosa, idli, medu vada, and dum biryani for catering as well as pickup on the weekends with an eye on expanding into more authentic Sri Lankan dishes in the future. “We also want to expand our hours and keep growing our catering side, which already includes large parties and events,” he said. “With BEACON’s support, we feel ready for that next step.”
Meanwhile, Penny’s Imperfect Pizza is spearheaded by two former New Yorkers-turned-farmers out of Barboursville who are equally excited to share their love of fresh ingredients from their own land in the form of sourdough pizzas that consumers can purchase at farmers' markets and shops around the area. “BEACON has many other great members that we get to talk and share food with, and learn from each other. We also greatly appreciate New Hill Development and its mission,” said Amanda Terillo, who owns the business and Olive Branch Gardens with her husband Matt. “We really appreciate that the space provides all the equipment we could need.” They, too, have plans for expanding their offerings, including sourdough crackers and salads with dressings.
BEACON also contributes to the community in myriad meaningful ways. The organization welcomes interns, works with Black farmers to create value-added products, and partners with the Boys & Girls Club of Central Virginia, in addition to a number of other collaborations.
“BEACON Kitchen is about more than food. Every dish prepared here is a step forward for someone chasing a dream,” Karriem said. “Every member brings their story and their culture into the kitchen, and that diversity is what makes BEACON special.”
BEACON Kitchen is about more than food. Every dish prepared here is a step forward for someone chasing a dream.