Gwendolyn's Kitchen to celebrate fifth year anniversary Nov. 13

Gwendolyn's Kitchen will be celebrating it's fifth year in business on November 13.

Roland and Gwendolyn Johnson, owners of Gwendolyn's Kitchen are excited about their fifth year anniversary of the family owned and operated business.

What started out as a hobby in the Johnson's home, has turned into a successful business.

"I used to make cheeseballs and pecan taffy to give to our family and friends on the holidays," Gwendolyn Johnson said, adding that the hobby out grew the family's kitchen, and that's when she went into business.

"We put our two sons to work, and my Aunt Brenda, well, she has been there every step of the way," Johnson said, declaring the success of the business has been a reward of her family's effort and hard work, as well as the support of Bishop W.H. Johnson, the family's pastor.

Gwendolyn's Kitchen's Gourmet Cheeseballs, a special family recipe, is always a successful seller, stating the cheeseball is no stranger to office parties."

"We sell a lot of party trays to the local factories as well," Johnson said, adding the trays are equipped with everything one would need to serve, such as the , serving tray, cutting utensils, crackers, and appetizing entre."

Johnson said the next best seller would have to be the Neiman-Marcus Brownies. "Everyone seems to really enjoy the brownies, not to mention my Pecan Taffy," she added.

Gwedolyn's Kitchen has been awarded several blue ribbons and Best-of-Show at the Delta Fair, for its food items.

"This year has been an exciting one for us," Johnson said, adding that the family's recipes have reached the marketing industry."

Agri-Missouri, a branch of the Missouri Department of Agriculture helped the Johnson family with a matching grant, that helped with funding to purchase labels for the mass marketing of Gwendolyn's cheeseball.

"Agri-Missouri was such a tremendous help," Johnson said. "Our cheeseball is being sold at Wallace & Owens now," she added.

"We are very gracious to our customers who have made this all possible by giving us their continuous support, which has helped this small local business cross a milestone," Johnson said. "Five years is something to be proud of, and we are," she said.

Gwendolyn's Kitchen announces the business is looking foward to seeing past and future customers at this years Annual Adelphian Christmas Bizaar.

"There will be plenty of samples," Johnson said, claiming this year will offer new suprises. "I will have my favorite," Johnson said, chicken and rice, and our new smoked turkey cheeseball."

The Johnson family invites you to stop in and see them and place your Holiday orders at 624 First Street in Kennett.