Minnie Luong of Chi Kitchen Discusses Growth and Future of Company

Minnie Luong of Chi Kitchen Discusses Growth and Future of Company

In just three years, Chi Kitchen has grown from a test kitchen in Hope and Main -- the food innovation lab in Warren -- to an ever-expanding facility in Pawtucket and distribution to over 100 retailers in New England.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ABOVE

Chi Kitchen was founded by chef and culinary educator Minnie Luong and she joined GoLocal LIVE’s Small Biz Monday to discuss the company’s growth and next steps.

Luong was born in Vietnam, grew up in Rhode Island and then lived in California, but came back home to Rhode Island with her husband to develop the vision for her company.

Today, the company has two versions of Korean-style Kimchi in distribution and is developing new products for retail and for the food service industry.

Luong is the CEO, but like most small business owners in growing companies, is doing everything from sampling on the weekends at supermarkets to developing new products and overseeing the expansion of the company’s space.

She cites a key step in the growth of the company was funding she received from Commerce RI.