Event Information
Where? The Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) lobbytorium. Link to AADL event page
When? Sunday February 15th 3pm - 5pm
How much does it cost? Free admission! Food samples provided while supplies last.
Other information: Parking nearby will be free since the event will land on a Sunday. If you are not able to be there for the event, it will be live-streamed and recorded on the official Marupo ACTS youtube channel.
Mission
This panel brings together four Asian American–owned food businesses from Southeast Michigan to share their real, behind-the-scenes journeys of building, sustaining, and growing a food business.
Panelists will speak candidly about what it actually takes to turn passion for food into a viable business. The conversation will cover practical lessons around starting out, navigating challenges, building relationships, and staying rooted in culture and community. Attendees will gain insight into the realities of entrepreneurship while hearing diverse paths to succeed within the local AAPI food ecosystem.
The event will be moderated and structured as an interactive discussion, with opportunities to engage directly with panelists and experience their work through small food samples during the program.
Panelists
Q Bakehouse & Market is a neighborhood Asian American bakery and market offering small batch pastries and prepared food made by hand with seasonal ingredients.
Zaica is a tea and spice company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan that was founded in 2020 as a local family-owned business because of our founder’s passion for great food and great relationships.
Chi Fan Le 吃饭了 (“time to eat” in Mandarin) is a Chinese food experience that shares mainly homestyle dishes rooted in nourishment, community, and sustainability through catering, pop-ups, and our future brick-and-mortar location.
Samosa House brings you flavorful, handmade samosas and more. This business is more than just cooking—it’s a journey rooted in family history and love for tradition. Every samosa made is filled with the memories of their family’s journey and the passion they've developed for creating food that brings people together.
