Today we’d like to introduce you to Alonzo Coates.
Hi Alonzo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Alonzo Coates is the founder and owner of the Capital II Group, Inc d/b/a Kitche Korners, a licensed shared-use commissary kitchen in Philadelphia. With a degree in Economics from Penn State University and more than 25 years of entrepreneurial experience spanning real estate, finance, property management, and business operations, Alonzo has dedicated his career to helping others succeed. Through Kitchen Korners, he provides food entreprenuers with access to a professional commercial kitchen while promoting education, mentorship, and business development opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, His commitment to community development and economic empowerment has helped numerous small businesses launch and grow, Alonzo is currently expanding his vision with the development of Zoe’s Cookies & Cream, a frozen treats destination that will combine artisan desserts, entrepreneurship, and community engagement in Northeast Philadelphia.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Raised in a hard-working single -family household, I learned early the value of education, discipline, and perserverance. Throughout my entreprenurial journey , I have faced many challenges common to small business owners, including securing financing, navigating economic downturns, managing real estate investments, adapting to changing markets , and overcoming regulatory hurdles, Rather than viewing obstacles as setbacks, I have embraced them as opportunites to learn, grow, and build resilience
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Capital II Group, Inc D/B/A Kitchen Korners?
Kitchen Korners is more than a commissary kitchen—it’s a business development platform for food entrepreneurs. As a fully licensed shared-use commercial kitchen in Philadelphia, we provide food businesses with access to professional kitchen space, regulatory guidance, operational support, and mentorship to help them launch, grow, and succeed.
What sets Kitchen Korners apart is our commitment to entrepreneurship and education. We don’t simply rent kitchen space; We work alongside our clients to help them navigate licensing requirements, food safety compliance, business planning, and long-term growth strategies. Our mission is to create opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those who may not have access to the resources needed to start a food business on their own.
We are especially proud of the role Kitchen Korners has played in helping small businesses transform ideas into operating companies. Our success is measured not only by our own growth, but by the success of the entrepreneurs we serve.
As we continue to expand, our vision includes Zoe’s Cookies & Cream, a community-focused frozen treats destination that will combine artisan desserts, entrepreneurship, and youth business education. We want community leaders to know that our brand is built on innovation, economic development, mentorship, and creating pathways for future generations of entrepreneurs.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice to anyone just starting out is to be willing to learn before you expect to lead. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that before you can lead others, you have to be willing to follow those who have already traveled the path your’re trying to take. Seek out mentors, ask questions, listen more than you speak, and learn from people who have experience in your industry. A good mentor can help you avoid costley mistakes and shorten your learning curve. With regards to wishing I knew certain things before starting out , I would say that understanding that your’re journey may take longer than you expected but the lessons you learn along the way will be just as valuable as the success you achieve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kitchenkorners.com
- Instagram: @kitchenkorners
