SHIA is proud to announce the launch of Pitch Day, a mentoring program where aspiring chefs in the DMV area can pitch their first-time restaurant concept in front of veteran chefs and potential investors. Together with our program partner, Chase Sapphire, this program is meant to be a practice session to build financial literacy and skills for fundraising.
SHIA has made their selections from a pool of female chefs in the DMV area. Over the course of their three-month journey, they partner with professionals across multiple industries to help them hone their pitches. The program culminates with Pitch Day on June 2, 2025, when the chefs present their concepts to a panel of esteemed judges. The winning chef receives a $5,000 grant and additional resources to support the launch of their restaurant.
Meet Our Finalists
Amber Croom, with co-founder Yassmeen Haskins – Beye Beignets
Amber and Yassmeen envision a vibrant brick-and-mortar café for Beye Beignets to call home, where they can continue infusing classic New Orleans beignets with innovative flavors and create a hub for culinary creativity and collaboration.
Ellen Lee – AJM Kimchi
Ellen aims to give her signature kimchi brand, AHJUMMEOW, it’s own dedicated space. AJM Kimchi Factory draws inspiration from Willy Wonka to create an immersive space for traditional kimjang, experimental kimchi pairings and comforting dishes centered around the Korean staple food.
Lauren “LP” O’Brien – Bar Lienzo
LP’s concept, Bar Lienzo, is a collaborative bar lab where chefs and mixologists hone their craft by day. By night, it becomes an experiential restaurant where the day’s creations are shared. LP sees Bar Lienzo as a multifaceted hub, blending creativity, cultural storytelling and philanthropy through food and drinks.
Selasie Dotse – e le aɖe Test Kitchen
Selasie’s vision is to give e le aɖe Test Kitchen a permanent home, where they can continue their mission of merging cultural authenticity with creative innovation, using shared plates and tasting menus to tell stories of African and Black diasporic tradition.
Meet our Judges
Amy Brandwein
Chef and Owner of Centrolina and Piccolina da Centrolina
Dan Simons
Co-Owner of the Farmers Restaurant Group
Rose Previte
Owner of Compass Rose, Maydan, Kirby Club, Medina, Maydan Market and co-founder of Go There Wines
Elaine Chon-Baker
Founder and Managing Director of Mokja Ventures
Pitch Day Partners
SHIA would like to recognize and thank all our partners for their contributions to Pitch Day.
Ad Cucina
Design and Brand Consulting
Baltz & Company
PR and Marketing Consulting
Dan Simons
(Co-Founder of Founding Farmers Restaurant Group)
Restaurant and Business
Consulting
EDENS
Restaurant Lease Consulting