Show Low’s Inaugural Food Expo Showcases Local Cuisine and Sparks Momentum for Food Entrepreneurs

On March 1, 2025, the City of Show Low, Arizona, in collaboration with the Show Low Chamber of Commerce and North Star Business Center, hosted the inaugural Show Low Food Expo at the City Campus Gym.  The event, supported by White Mountain Economic Development (WMED) along with Arizona at Work Northeastern Arizona and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Northland Pioneer College, attracted several hundred attendees, underscoring the community's enthusiasm for local culinary offerings and food-related entrepreneurship.

Community members enjoy the local culinary scene in Show Low, Arizona on March 1st, 2025.

“The turnout for this inaugural Show Low Food Expo was very encouraging and there was incredible excitement”, said Steve North, Economic Development Director for the City of Show Low.  “You could feel the energy from the local entrepreneurs, food lovers, and food businesses who came together to connect, be inspired, support each other and just celebrate the food industry in the Arizona White Mountains.”  

The expo showcased a diverse array of participants, including restaurants, food trucks, and food-related businesses from the region. Attendees had the opportunity to sample local cuisine, network with food entrepreneurs, and learn about the region’s growing food community. 

More than just a celebration of local flavors, the expo served as part of a larger initiative between Show Low and the greater White Mountains region in supporting and expanding food-related businesses.

Show Low Food Expo, March 1st, 2025

A key effort driving this momentum is the White Mountains Innovation Station, a proposed business incubator aimed at nurturing food entrepreneurs and small-scale food producers. A collaborative effort between the City of Show Low and White Mountain Economic Development (WMED), the incubator is designed to provide critical resources, including a commissary and commercial kitchen space, to help food businesses scale.

“Many aspiring food entrepreneurs struggle with access to affordable commercial kitchen space and the necessary business support to turn their passion into a sustainable enterprise,” said Russ Yelton, Executive Director of White Mountain Economic Development.  “The White Mountains Innovation Station will serve as a launchpad, giving them the tools, space, and mentorship they need to grow.”

The incubator will not only offer commercial kitchen facilities but will also feature a two-year program that includes business development guidance, access to workshops, training programs, and networking opportunities, and connections to local markets, among numerous other resources.

After completing the incubation period, White Mountain Innovation Station and its wide network of partners will further work to ensure businesses have a successful transition to the next stage in their development, such as securing their own commercial space. Ultimately, the goal is to create an ecosystem where food-based businesses can flourish, driving economic growth and job creation throughout the region.

The WMED team has also collaborated with the City of Show Low to establish a “preincubation” bootcamp, which will guide early-stage food producers through the process of establishing LLCs, understanding and obtaining the necessary permits and health certifications, and learning about key food safety regulations. The objective is to equip these entrepreneurs with foundational knowledge, helping them transition into fully licensed businesses that can operate legally and sustainably. This would then allow them to submit an application to utilize the kitchen space.

Show Low Food Expo, March 1st, 2025

The success of the inaugural Show Low Food Expo is another exciting chapter that highlights the community’s dedication to supporting local businesses and the potential for future growth in the region’s food industry. With incubation initiatives on the horizon, Show Low is positioning itself as a key player in fostering food entrepreneurship in Arizona.

Learn more about White Mountain Economic Development at www.wmedev.com and White Mountains Innovation Station at www.whitemountainsinnovationstation.com.