Six woman-owned food businesses that are connecting us culturally, sourcing locally and amping up our culinary scene.

Jeanne Carpenter worked in the artisan cheese industry for years, and she wove in her knowledge of high-quality cheeses in the menu at Firefly Coffeehouse, the Oregon coffeehouse she co-owns.

With a goal to provide mentorship for Indigenous chefs and food professionals, Elena Terry founded the nonprofit Wild Bearies in 2019.

“There are a lot of life skills learned in the kitchen space,” says Terry, an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Marie Raboin and her husband, Matt, launched Brix Cider in 2017. Two years later, their tasting room and cidery opened in Mount Horeb.

“Part of our mission and our value is supporting sustainable agriculture,” says Marie.

After buying cakes for her daughter’s birthday parties over the years, Linda Smith started baking her own cakes — which kicked off her passion for baking, and ultimately starting her own side business, Sensational Sweetz.

In 2022, Chintakayala and her husband, Raj Peddapati, launched Nommli, a combination meal and cultural experience subscription box.

“What’s the best way to connect people, other than through culture and food?” muses Chintakayala.

Lacy Rude has been part of the local food and beverage community for years as owner of Rude Brew Kombucha. Her newly-opened Lacy’s Café supports and serves local producers.

The city’s tastiest places to pick up a pizza.