Location: Chicago, Illinois
Founder: Lisa Johnson
Year Founded: 1989
Business Description: Gourmet Kitchens, Inc. (GKI) is a privately-owned fresh food manufacturer that provides custom tailored food programs sold to the largest and most notable grocery store chains in the country. GKI manufactures products without artificial ingredients or preservatives, using authentic flavors. The products have restaurant quality traits, giving them a fresh taste and a clean ingredient label. The company operates in two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with over 150,000 combined square feet.
Employees: approximately 400
Revenue: $55 million (projected FY 2010)
Investment: TWVF and TWVF-Side invested in Gourmet Kitchens in October 2009 in a $2 million sub-debt round that will allow the company to handle more customer demand.
Website: http://www.lastminutegourmet.com
Awards:
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2009 Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame inductee
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2007 The Business Ledger’s Influential Women in Business
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2005 National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Chicago Business Woman of the Year
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2005 Wells Fargo Trailblazer Award (national competition)
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2004 Industrial Council of Near West Chicago’s Business of the Year
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