Today we’d like to introduce you to Darius Anderson.
Hi Darius, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into this role wasn’t a straight line, but every step prepared me for the work I do today. I actually started out managing a SnapFitness gym part-time in Ashtabula. It was a small team, but it taught me the basics of customer service, consistency, and what it means to support people in reaching their goals.
From there, I went on to Home Depot, where I eventually became a Supervisor over three departments. That’s really where I began to understand leadership on a deeper level—managing different personalities, learning how to motivate people, and figuring out what it takes to keep a team moving in the same direction. Those years shaped the way I work with people today.
After going through a serious change in my life, I was given the opportunity to join The Central Kitchen Incubator in 2022. It started out as an interim role, but I connected with the members almost immediately. I felt like I was finally in a space where my strengths—supporting people, problem-solving, and helping businesses grow—really mattered. The members saw that too, and because of the relationships we built, I was officially offered the Manager position in 2023.
Since then, it’s been an honor to help entrepreneurs grow their food businesses, remove barriers, and see their ideas come to life. Every part of my journey led me here, and I’m grateful for it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. There were—and still are—plenty of challenges. When I stepped into this role, I had to learn an entirely new world, from food safety protocols to kitchen operations. I’ve had to put out fires in the kitchen—both figuratively and literally—and deal with the fast-paced, unpredictable nature of working with multiple businesses under one roof.
But even with the tough moments, it’s been a great experience. Every challenge has taught me something valuable and pushed me to grow. I’ve learned how to support members through their own emergencies, and how to keep the space running smoothly no matter what comes our way.
And at the heart of it all is supporting our entrepreneurs. That’s what keeps me grounded and motivated—knowing that everything I do helps them take their businesses to the next level. The rewards far outweigh the struggles, and I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I help food entrepreneurs navigate the food industry, whether they are caterers, food truck owners, restaurant operators, or developing a food product they want to bring to market. I support them every step of the way—from providing retail opportunities to helping scale their businesses. I offer consultation, resources, and access to grant opportunities, all tailored to their individual needs.
My daily responsibilities include keeping the Incubator space running efficiently, onboarding new members, and managing the kitchen. But at the heart of it, my work is about helping our members in whatever capacity I can. That’s what I’m truly known for—going above and beyond to support our members and their businesses.
What I’m most proud of is seeing entrepreneurs grow, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals. In 2024, it was amazing to have The Central Kitchen recognized as Incubator of the Year—an incredible honor to be recognized by our peers. Being able to provide guidance, resources, and encouragement that make growth possible is what sets me apart and makes this work so rewarding.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Yes! My biggest advice is to find someone who has done—or is currently doing—what you want to do. A mentor like that can offer guidance, insight, and connections that you won’t get anywhere else.
I also highly recommend getting involved with cohorts, industry workshops, or community programs—and simply showing up. You’d be surprised how many opportunities, relationships, and collaborations come from just being present and engaged. Consistency and visibility go a long way in building a strong network.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecentral.kitchen/prospective-member-resources/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clecentralkitchen/
