WBC Client Feature: Tre’s Street Kitchen®
We love sharing the stories of inspiring small business owners who have the courage to turn their dreams into reality and make a positive impact in their communities.
Today we’re excited to feature Tre’s Street Kitchen®. This award-winning food service company, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a minority woman-owned, family-run business known for serving up delicious dishes and mouth-watering sauces.
We sat down with Co-founder, Kristen C. Smith to learn more about their journey, how their partnership with a local Women’s Business Center has shaped their success, and what exciting things lie ahead for the business.
About Tre’s Street Kitchen®
Tre’s Street Kitchen®, founded in 2020, has quickly built a reputation for providing top-tier food service across a variety of sectors. “We specialize in campus dining for higher education, catering for stadiums and arenas, and meal solutions for corporate and government clients,” says Kristen.
Tre’s Street Kitchen® has made a name for itself with standout dishes like their hand-pattied Street Burgers and the irresistible Cajun Alfredo.
“Our menu is all about bold flavors and quality ingredients,” the owner explains. “We take pride in making our sauces in-house, which perfectly compliment our signature dishes.”
For Tre’s Street Kitchen®, customer satisfaction is key. “Our customers are the lifeblood of our business,” the owner emphasizes.
“Every meal is an opportunity to exceed their expectations, and that’s what drives us. Through high-quality food and exceptional customer service, we aim to deliver excellence every time.”
This commitment to quality and consistency has led the company to both local and national acclaim. They have even become the first food service provider to secure contracts with the three major higher education institutions in Baton Rouge.
“We’re the sole provider, managing campus cafés, student-athlete meals, and event concessions,” the owner says. “We’ve set a new standard for campus dining.”
Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Challenges
Tre’s Street Kitchen® wasn’t just born from a love of delicious food—it’s a reflection of the power food has to bring people together.
“It was inspired by my upbringing, which was steeped in diverse culinary traditions, and my fiancé’s talent as an executive chef,” Kristen shares.
“As a teacher, I saw firsthand how food could connect and inspire. My fiancé would bake cheesecakes for my students as incentives, and the excitement and rave reviews we received showed us that we had something special.”
It was this connection that laid the foundation for Tre’s Street Kitchen®.
However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. In 2020, during the chaos of the pandemic, the couple decided to take a leap of faith.
“When my fiancé was laid off, we used our savings to launch the business,” she shares. Starting a business during such uncertain times meant that the road ahead would be anything but smooth.
“We faced everything from COVID-19 restrictions to Hurricane Ida, a devastating fire, and crippling supply chain disruptions,” the owner recalls.
Throughout this, the owner’s resilience and commitment to their mission never wavered. “Despite the odds, we’ve remained committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences that unite people and celebrate the powerful connection food provides.”
The Impact of a Local Women’s Business Center
The success of Tre’s Street Kitchen® is not only a reflection of the owners dedication but also the invaluable support they received along the way. “When we launched Tre’s Street Kitchen®, I quickly realized there was so much I didn’t know about running a business,” she admits.
“I turned to Krystal Allen, a former teacher like me, who had already achieved remarkable success as an entrepreneur. She referred me to her bookkeeper, who was affiliated with the Women’s Business Center” (WBRC- Urban League of Louisiana), the owner recalls.
This connection, born out of mutual trust and shared experiences, opened the door to a wealth of resources.
“It exemplified the power of women supporting women. Through Krystal’s referral, I was able to tap into expertise and resources that were essential for the growth of our business.”
“The Women’s Business Center has provided me with essential coaching, resources, and an extended network, giving me the confidence and support to scale my business from a food truck to a thriving food service company.”
With the Women’s Business Center’s support, Tre’s Street Kitchen® is now delivering meals and securing contracts at the city, state, and federal levels.
“We’re now exploring investor opportunities, branching into retail markets, and expanding our footprint into Greater New Orleans,” says the owner. “And I know that the Women’s Business Center will continue to be a key partner in this next phase of our journey.”
“If not for the Women’s Business Center, I wouldn’t have had the support, educational resources, and foundational skills I needed to scale my business at an accelerated rate to meet growing customer demand.”
Shop Tre’s Street Kitchen®
“For anyone looking to bring a taste of Tre’s Street Kitchen® home, you can find our 5-star reviewed Tre’s Street Sauce™ on our Amazon storefront or through our website.”
This Louisiana Certified All-Purpose BBQ Sauce has quickly become a fan favorite. “It’s bold, flavorful, and versatile—perfect for elevating any dish.”
For those in Baton Rouge, the owner encourages a visit to their primary campus location. “You can find us at 201 Community College Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. And, if you’re attending a college game day, we’re inside Tiger Stadium serving up great food,” shes says with a smile.
Kristen recommends you grab their signature Street Burger, “It’s a hand-pattied beef burger topped with a fried egg, lettuce, tomato, onion, and of course, our signature Tre’s Street Sauce™ on a buttery brioche bun!”
In addition to the campus location, Tre’s Street Kitchen® also offers catering services. “We cater events all across Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Whether it’s a corporate gathering or a special celebration, just give us a call or learn more online!”
A Special Thank You to the Women Who Made a Difference
As we wrap up our conversation, the owner, Kristen, takes a moment to express her heartfelt gratitude. “I would like to specifically thank the incredible women I’ve encountered at the Women’s Business Center,” she says warmly.
“Klassi Duncan, Elizabeth Kensel, Dr. Carla Antoine, Christina Rousseau, and my small business coaches, Courtney Elzey, and Desiree H. Young—each of them has played a significant role in our journey, and I’m so thankful for their support and guidance.”
Kristen’s appreciation for these women reflects the deep impact their mentorship and the Women’s Business Center resources have had on the incredible journey of this small business.
We are all excited to cheer on Tre’s Street Kitchen® and can’t wait to see what the coming years will bring for this incredible business.
If you’d like to find a Women’s Business Center near you, visit the WBC locator.
To learn more about HOPE2Women, a resource offering free coaching and support to small business owners and an arm of the Association of Women’s Business Centers, click here.