Streets Ahead Winners - McCain Foodservice

Since the launch of Streets Ahead, McCain has welcomed into the programme over 200 inspiring individuals. Powered by KERB+, the UK’s largest street food organisation, we continue to provide an immersive experience that helps the industry attract new talent, bridge the skills gap and inspire innovation.

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In 2023, following 12 months of growing their street food concept, 12 individuals stood up to pitch their business.

Throughout the year we met people from all walks of life, whilst they worked through the classroom course, we sat down with them to help nurture their dreams in foodservice.

Each participant was given the opportunity to submit a business pitch. Those submitted that reflected indisputable passion were welcomed to present a hero dish for a panel of KERB+ and McCain executives.

The tasting panel were left astonished, reaching into their pockets and hungry for more. McCain invested over £100,000 to secure the bright futures of these new businesses.

Celebrating world flavours with our graduates

Hind at Utopia now serving Mosakhan chicken and lamb wraps inspired from Syria, Flavour-packed curries with roti and sambal found from Yogi at Yogi’s Sri Lankan Kitchen…

…Juicy fried chicken and jollof rice from Kemi at Kemi’s Kitchen to Jamaican and Korean fusion stew chicken from Ozayr at Jamaikorean

MEET OUR GRADUATES
The Operators to Watch

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Yogi’s Sri Lankan Kitchen

Yogi migrated from a small town in Sri Lanka to London, bringing with him a passion for food and healthy eating. Having spent time in London he’s quickly realised there was room for his traditional Sri Lankan curries with a vegan inspired twist in today’s street food market, which inspired him to create “Yogi’s Sri Lankan Kitchen”.

“Coming from a small town in Sri Lanka I dreamt of making authentic dishes in the city. Streets Ahead has encouraged and inspired me to make it a reality.”

Overcoming homelessness and depression, Yogi is resilient and relentless in the pursuit of his dreams. Yogi is an extremely talented chef leading cooking classes at the Migrateful resource centre to inspire others who have also faced adversity. Since receiving investment from McCain due to his remarkable efforts on the Streets Ahead programme, Yogi has been working towards securing a trading spot at Shepherds Bush Market. Yogi hopes to one day open his own bricks and mortar restaurant, where he can celebrate his Sri Lankan cuisine with a regular spot the locals can return to.

NAME: Eman Alaamni
FROM: Bisan Bites
@bisan.bites

Bisan Bites

Eman sought out mentorship on the Streets Ahead programme when she developed a strong ambition to satisfy the cravings of diverse groups across London. Proud of the food she was taught to cook as she grew up, she built her concept around having ‘Mum’s taste in every bite.’

Eman knew the importance of serving fresh food and wanted to build her street food concept but wasn’t sure where to start. After receiving coaching through the Streets Ahead programme, attending immersion and food development courses via the Streets Ahead Programme, Bisan Bites was born. A business captivating McCain on the final pitch day where she received £10,000 investment. Eman is set to start trading in 2024 across London markets as she landed herself a member spot with KERB Food.

NAME: Simeon Prescod
Johnson
FROM: Jerk N Fusion
@jrknfsn

Jerk N Fusion

Simeon was known throughout Streets Ahead as the bubbliest participant yet. He brings so much joy to the world of foodservice with his new business “Jerk N Fusion” coming to the streets. Simeon worked with KERBs head of coaching on a business plan to launch Jerk N Fusion, which was an idea sparked by the influence of Simeon’s heritage. Through the programme Simeon developed his hero dish a Jerkaccia Sandwich, fusing Italian and Caribbean flavours into one mouth-watering combination.

McCain invested in Simeon who showed remarkable dedication and perseverance, despite previously experienced adversity and personal challenges. Since leaving Streets Ahead Simeon has been mentored by the successful independent business “Only Jerkin” a popular stall that currently trades on London’s south bank market. Simeon continues to grow his skillset as our youngest entrepreneur before hitting the industry with his concept soon.

NAME: Akbar & Sanobar
FROM: Samarkand Palav
@samarkandpalav

Samarkand Palav

This passionate culinary duo sought out the Street Ahead programme to help kick-start their mission to bring Osh Palav, a central Asian-inspired dish to the UK. The team are now bustling entrepreneurs since the launch of their new business ‘Samarkand Palav’ thanks to the help and support from McCain and KERB.

Through the training from the Streets Ahead programme, they learnt operational know-how, crafted menus fit for a street food concept, understood the requirements of trading outside and perfected their dishes around this new environment. Today Samarkand Palav is fully registered and trading successfully at Cowcross Yards and more!

NAME: Maral Nuriveya
FROM: Ayal
@ayalfood3896

Ayal

Maral joined the Streets Ahead programme after developing her concept with TERN (The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network). Maral comes from Turkmenistan where she would hand craft steamed manti dumplings, taught by the generations before her. When Maral joined Streets Ahead she wanted to learn what it would take to grow in the foodservice industry. Maral underwent a re-brand, grew her operational knowledge and pitched with passion to McCain and KERB food representatives.

Enticing us with her menu variety and embracing diverse flavours, topping and extras, she stood out as an operator to watch. Since Streets Ahead, Maral has gone on to graduate from KERBs inkerbator programme. She now trades often on London markets with them, delighting the capital with her authentic Turkmen dishes.

NAME: Hind Danoun
FROM: Utopia
@_utopia_food_

Utopia

Hind comes from south Syria where she learnt to cook authentic meals true to her heritage. After immigrating to London where she sought refuge, she struggled to find Syrian dishes done well. Hind saw a gap in the market, signing up to the Streets Ahead programme was a chance for her to make her mark.

“Streets Ahead gave me the training and confidence to pursue my dreams.” Says Hind following a £10,000 investment from McCain to set up UTOPIA. A favourite for London locals who visit Hind trading with KERB at The Gherkin, Cowcross Yards, Fleet Place and more! Utopia’s growth is unstoppable.

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