Friends turn food passion into preserves start-up, Beau Bien Fine Foods

About two years ago, the paths of Noelle Lothamer and Molly O'Meara crossed. The two Detroiters were not only foodies but entrepreneurs, starting a business called Beau Bien Fine Foods.

"We both have been really passionate about home-made foods," says Noelle Lothamer, co-founder of Beau Bien Fine Foods. "We connected through Gourmet Underground Detroit.

The Lafayette Park-based business specializes in jams, chutneys and mustards. Lothamer likes to say the partners like to focus on both sweet and savory foods. The duo also recently completed the BUILD course at D:hive in downtown Detroit and are working toward growing their budding  micro business.

Lothamer (a freelance writer who authors the SimmerD food series for Model D) and O'Meara (a graphic designer) would like to turn Beau Bien Fine Foods into their full-time jobs. The company is looking to move up to the point that it finds its own kitchen space so it can produce enough product that it can become a staple in Metro Detroit stores. 

"We definitely want to grow it and take a step up from selling little jars to friends and family," Lothamer says.

Source: Noelle Lothamer, co-founder of Beau Bien Fine Foods
Writer: Jon Zemke  

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.
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