If you're a baklava fan, listen up! One of Union Kitchen's newest Accelerator Members, Baklava and Tea, has launched. Baklava and Tea was founded by Deniz Isik, with the mission of spreading the joy of her Mom's authentic Turkish baklava recipe. This mother-daughter team worked diligently with our Accelerator to develop a strategy, mission, and product formulation. Through this process they have successfully launched a market ready product and their delicious baklava will be available in the pastry cases of all Union Kitchen stores!
There is nothing quite like an authentic family recipe. This authentic baklava recipe has been the source of joy for Deniz and her family for as long as she can remember, and her mission is to share this passion with as many people as she could! Deniz is no stranger to the Union Kitchen Ecosystem. She has been hustling as an incredible member of our Ballston store team! Our stores allow our brands to connect with local customers, collect feedback, begin to build their sales, and test product market fit. All of these are vital steps in making things people want. Deniz has been on the front lines of introducing our Accelerator brands to customers and now she gets to do it with her very own product!
Deniz is working in our shared kitchen to gain a deeper understanding of her manufacturing process while leveraging the Union Kitchen Ecosystem to navigate the scaling production process. She will focus on finding product market fit and building sales! By following a phased approach to growth and owning her manufacturing, Deniz is following in the footsteps of other Union Kitchen success stories such as Compass Coffee, Maspanadas, and Caribe Juice. Keep an eye out for Deniz and her Mom's Made in DC baklava in our pastry cases!