Skillet Junction wins ScaleUp Kitchen competition, takes home $20,000 prize

August 27, 2024

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

JACKSON, Tenn. — 20 participants pitched their ideas to judges for a chance to win a competition.

The ScaleUp program, which was a combination of ideas from Ford Philanthropy combined with theCO and the Epicenter, was spread over several counties: Shelby, Tipton, Haywood and Madison.

We spoke to the first place winners of the competition who said that they can’t wait to pour back into the business and give their customers a great experience.

Skillet Junction owners Jacob and Regina Richmond received first place in the ScaleUp Kitchen competition.

The Richmonds received a grand cash prize of $20-thousand dollars and a $4,500 stipend, which was given to each participant.

“We didn’t expect it. And when we say we didn’t expect it, we mean because we were in the running with so many other wonderful restaurants and entrepreneurs. We had a lot of work to do. Although we work everyday on our business and getting things together, when you are up against other people who are just as good as you, it’s a real competition and so it was exciting,” said Regina.

They had to pitch their ideas and food to a panel of judges.

The five person panel consisted of two representatives from Ford Motor Company, as well as local commercial lenders.

“They asked real questions. It was like shark tank for our level. It brought out the best in us because there are things you don’t know that are happening in your business,” said Regina.

They started Saucy Jakes street food in 2016 and Skillet Junction in October of 2022.

Saucy Jake’s is now owned by their son.

“Family is our inspiration. We’re not just a family business, but we’re a family that’s in business and so we want to continue to hone in on that gift and continue to pour into our children where they will be able to do whatever they would like to in life,” said Jacob.