Empower Your Journey
LETS GET STARTED!
We’re here to support you in every step of your food entrepreneurship journey. With a range of resources, mentorship options, and a connected community, you can thrive and make your mark. Together, let’s explore new opportunities and build lasting partnerships.
Empowering Local Food Innovators & Building A Thriving Community
The Bricks Collaborative is a Buffalo-based hub supporting food entrepreneurs through mentorship, business development, and community-driven collaboration. Founded in 2023, our work is rooted in real experience. One of our founders—a restaurateur—launched his business without access to the tailored resources he needed. The other spent over a decade helping food entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of operations, witnessing consistent gaps in support. Together, they created The Bricks to bridge those gaps and build something better. We empower food entrepreneurs to grow, connect, and sustain their businesses through strategic coaching, vibrant pop-up experiences, and purpose-driven partnerships. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand, The Bricks offers tools, insight, and community to help you thrive. At our core, we believe food is more than a business—it’s a vehicle for culture, connection, and change. We’re here to help the people behind the plates build businesses rooted in collaboration, community, and culture.
Our Journey Together
Key Milestones in Our Story
Discover the pivotal moments that shaped The Bricks Collaborative. Each step reflects our commitment to support food entrepreneurs through mentorship, connections, and community empowerment. We’ve come together to foster innovation and celebrate local culture, and we’re excited to share our story with you.
Dec 2023
Our partnership with The Bricks Downtown begins, bridging gaps for food entrepreneurs with resources and access.
Dec 2024
Brick by Brick mentorship launches after Springboard award, alongside our first community collaboration for Holiday Hot Meals on Christmas.
Jan 2025
Collaborations grow with Explore & More featuring Home Beneath Our Feet for MLK Day
May 2025
Food Clinic launches with The Exchange Buffalo, strengthening bussiness support for entrepreneurs
Aug 2025
We celebrate mentorship graduation and Black Restaurant Week recognition on WUFO
Meet Our Team
Dedicated to helping food entrepreneurs thrive through collaboration and support.
Shai Arnold
Founder
Shai is a dynamic entrepreneur, community builder, and business consultant with over a decade of experience helping organizations thrive. She is the founder of multiple initiatives, including The Bricks Collaborative which focuses on empowering communities through innovative programs and support systems. Known for her expertise in strategic planning, leadership development, and fostering meaningful relationships, Shai is passionate about creating opportunities for growth and collaboration. With a strong commitment to wellness and sustainability, she inspires others to lead with purpose and impact.
Ronnie DuBose Jr.
Founder
Ronnie is a seasoned entrepreneur with more than twenty years of experience, Ronnie specializes in marketing, branding positioning, and talent development. He excels at building relationships, engaging with the community, and managing clients. Ronnie is dedicated to mentoring others, helping them steer clear of common entrepreneurial pitfalls- focusing on execution and collaboration. Over the past five years, he has successfully built a seven-figure restaurant that emphasizes customer experience and community involvement. His expertise lies in organic strategy development for scaling businesses.
Join Our Thriving Food Entrepreneur Community
Are you ready to elevate your food business? Discover the tools and support you need to thrive. From mentorship to networking, our community empowers entrepreneurs like you to succeed. Sign up today and start your journey with others who share your passion for food and innovation.