Pozole to the People

From an Idea to the Shelves at Whole Foods

Chris Bailey grew up eating pozole (a traditional Mexican stew made from hominy) for Sunday suppers.

After several years in the magazine industry, he launched his food business Pozole to the People in Portland.

In 2014, Chris started the SBDC’s Getting Your Recipe to Market program. Having worked at many restaurants in Portland, he hadn’t considered making a packaged food.

“The idea of creating a food product of quality and producing it safely in a glass jar that is shelf stable was kind of eye opening to me,” Chris said.

SBDC helped Chris decide how to process the pozole and decide which glass container to use. The center also connected him with the Portland Mercado commissary kitchen, where he prepares and packages his product.

“I view the services that were offered through the SBDC as a vital opportunity to network and to learn about what resources are there,” Chris said. “Portland has a vital food landscape, but for a foraging food entrepreneur, it’s hard to pick through everything out there.”

Pozole to the People can be found in New Seasons Markets, Whole Foods stores and at many local grocers. The vegetarian product can also be purchased online.