"I swear every time I walk in and out of this building, I leave with more hope and more encouragement."

– Kristen Phillips, Grazing Robin Road

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Kristen Phillips, founder of Grazing Robin Road, and Daymara Baker, business development manager at the Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks (AFIC@MCO), to explore what it really takes to launch a food business in Northwest Arkansas.

Kristen shares how she transformed an unexpected job loss into a thriving grazing box business, with crucial support from AFIC's commercial kitchen facility and Daymara's expert guidance. Daymara reveals how AFIC@MCO empowers entrepreneurs and local farmers with commercial kitchen space, technical training, and the connections needed to turn food dreams into reality.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a foodie, or simply love stories about community and creativity colliding in Northwest Arkansas, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

• Local Support Is Everything: AFIC@MCO gives food entrepreneurs access to affordable kitchen space, technical guidance, and mentorship, no matter what stage they’re in.
• Community and Collaboration: AFIC@MCO actively connects entrepreneurs with local producers, markets, events, and training resources—making success more accessible.
• Fast-Track to Launch: With the right support, determined entrepreneurs like
• Kristen Phillips can start a thriving business in just a few short months.
• Education and Events: Both formal (like financial literacy and serve safe training) and informal (dinner series, pop-ups) programs empower business owners.
• Overcoming Challenges: Mindset and self-doubt are big hurdles, but strong resources and encouragement from the AFIC@MCO community help entrepreneurs push through.
• Giving Back: New entrepreneurs are eager to help others by sharing their lessons and tips for starting a business.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• AFIC@MCO - Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks Website
• Grazing Robin Road Email: GrazingRobinRoad@gmail.com
• Phone: 479-310-0421
• Instagram: @GrazingRobinRoad
• Facebook: Grazing Robin Road
• Fayetteville Public Library – Serve Safe and more
• Startup Junkie – Small business resources and training

Special Event Mentioned:

• Savor the Ozarks Dinner Series at AFIC@MCO (Upcoming event celebrating local ingredients, food heritage, and entrepreneur support. Reach out to
• Daymara Baker at daymarab@uada.edu for details and tickets.)

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"