What is Smoke?
Smoke, operating under the umbrella brand Southside since 2020, is a multifaceted culinary enterprise with deep roots in inspired, fire-centric catering. Founded in 2007 by Morgan, the company initially focused on rotisserie, grilling, and open hearth techniques, emphasizing local, sustainable ingredients. In 2016, Morgan and his wife Irma expanded into community-driven cafes with Southside, offering California cuisine with a Latin influence. The 2020 merger unified the SMOKE catering business with the cafes, broadening their offerings to include drop-off catering, boxed lunches, platters, and the utilization of their cafes as event venues. Irma's background, influenced by her Mexican heritage and international culinary experiences, brings a distinct Latin-inspired passion to the brand's marketing and events.
How much funding has Smoke raised?
Smoke has raised a total of $350K across 1 funding round:
Debt
$350K
Debt (2020): $350K with participation from PPP
Key Investors in Smoke
PPP
Public-Private Partnership
What's next for Smoke?
With the recent major strategic investment and a substantial total funding history, Smoke is well-positioned for its next phase of growth. The company's dual focus on high-quality catering and community-oriented cafe experiences, now consolidated under the Southside brand, provides a robust foundation. Future strategic initiatives will likely involve expanding service offerings, potentially increasing the reach of their catering operations, and further leveraging their cafe spaces as versatile event venues. The company's commitment to artisanal food production and unique culinary techniques, inspired by fire and Latin influences, will continue to be a key differentiator in the competitive food service market.
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