2 Fab Women Food Business Owners
Meg Fama of The Farm Belly in New Haven, CT and Raquel Rivera of A Pinch of Salt in Bridgeport, CT. Two fabulous women chefs and long time food business owners who also specialize in working with local farms and supporting networks of entrepreneurs.
The food industry is notoriously difficult for small businesses. And while women dominate in home kitchens around the world - in the professional culinary realm, men are the majority. Today’s guests Meg Fama of Farm Belly in New Haven, CT and Raquel Rivera of A Pinch of Salt in Bridgeport are two long-time food business owners showing us what successful women-owned businesses can look like. These two also specialize in working with local farmers and entrepreneurs and building community around food.
The Farm Belly just celebrated its 10th anniversary and the business’s evolution from food truck to caterer to a new restaurant at 20 Grand Avenue in the Fair Haven neighborhood, right on the Quinnipiac river. Meg shares about the dozens of farmers and food entrepreneurs she works with to create delicious and accessible seasonal dishes like her ramp butter biscuit egg sandwich, veggie burritos, and blueberry rhubarb pie. She also sells jams and preserves from Hindinger Farm and locally roasted Great Minds Coffee. The Farm Belly is quickly becoming a neighborhood institution, creating a beautiful and safe gathering space, all while improving the local economy and climate in the process.
A Pinch of Salt is the passion project of Chef Raquel Rivera, who curates exciting, educational cooking experiences for a wide range of students, aspiring chefs and food entrepreneurs. For over 15 years Raquel has used her culinary talents to inspire others and grow a community of food entrepreneurs in Bridgeport, CT and beyond (check out this 2019 interview for more). Raquel works with the Bridgeport Farmers Market Collaborative to support local farmers and entrepreneurs, diversify vendors at the markets, and cook up delicious meals - making local seasonal food more relatable for the community. Through her culinary classes Raquel works with everyone from early childhood centers, high school students, aspiring chefs and food business owners, community job training centers, and friends and businesses wanting some fun and know-how in the kitchen.
Both of these women set out on their own after working in more traditional male dominated kitchens. Their businesses give them the creative freedom to work with local seasonal food, evolve their businesses to meet their and their community’s needs, and to build important long standing relationships that have an impact far beyond one or two meals. Take a listen (above or on any podcasting site) and share your thoughts! And, if you happen to be lucky enough to be in the New Haven or Bridgeport, Connecticut area, go check them out!
This episode also features the song "No Es Mi Presidente" from Taína Asili y La Banda Rebelde. Taina is embarking on a 150 mile walking and song pilgrimage from Albany, NY to NYC for climate justice, collective healing, and a just future. Check out the schedule of events here.
Meg Fama, Tagan Engel, and Raquel Rivera in studio at WPKN 89.5 fm community radio in Bridgeport, CT.
July 28, 2025
