We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Evelyn Kirkland . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Evelyn below.

Alright, Evelyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The mission of Ultimate Side Dish is to share our culinary skill and passion with everyone everywhere.

It is a meaningful mission for me because it honors the legacy of the Matriarch of my family, my Mom who first bought this recipe to life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My story is about my Mom and our love of potatoes. I grew up helping my Mom in the kitchen with side dishes and particularly cold salads for holiday parties. I would get compliments from family and friends with all the salads especially the potato salad. I was encouraged to one day take my Mom’s family recipe and share it with the world. After Mom gave me the green light to go forth and multiply and after retiring, I did.
Currently, I have one product however,
a Vegan version is on the horizon,
I absolutely solve the age old question of taste and texture. The taste of the harmonious blend is what sets Ultimate Side Dish apart from my competitors.
I am so proud of many milestones experienced in my short time and in my 4th season.
Milestones include but not limited to receiving 5 star reviews in 5 counties in New Jersey, 80% return customers, National Minority Supplier Diversity Council Certified, Nationwide shipping available and will enter in the E-Commerce Space just to name a few successes.
My most proud accomplishment is to showcase my Mom’s potato salad in Bravo Supermarket this month. My regret is that she passed away before seeing that reality come to light.
I would like to be a household name locally and regionally, I am seeking customers, fans and followers-always finding ways to delight my customers,

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My business was established in August 2020, five months in the pandemic, At that time all Farmers Markets were closed. Very few eateries were open or even accepting samples from businesses. Showcasing my product via sampling is how I sell my product. It was a difficult time however. I used the down time to read, get more proficient in the food industry and process and to prepare for Market Season 2021. I also used the down time to do some private catering.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

The initial capital for my business came from my personal funds. My first season I was invited and applied for a grant from my county and was approved, In 2022, I was invited to apply for another grant and was approved.
Now I continue to use my funds always seeking grant opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ultimatesidedish.com
• Instagram: @ultimatesidedishbyevelyn
• Facebook: ultimatesidedishbyevelyn
• Linkedin: Evelyn B. Kirkland
• Other: Shopify coming soon.