Walk into many contract dining retail spaces, and you might notice a pattern: the same national brands, the same packaged snacks, the same grab-and-go options you can find nearly anywhere else. While these products come with a familiar name, they often lack a sense of discovery and local individuality unique to the region—and that sameness can chip away at what makes a dining program feel special.
At Parkhurst Dining, we believe that food is more than fuel: It’s an experience. One of the many ways we strengthen the connection between “food” and “community” is by supporting small artisan producers local to our sites. Through our Forged Partners program, we advocate that food is better when you know where it comes from.
What is Forged Partners?
Forged Partners is a pillar of Parkhurst’s Know Your Source program that bridges the gap between small, independent business owners and largescale dining programs, creating a vetted pathway for artisan food partners to reach a wider audience, while aligning with Parkhurst’s Culinary Gold Standards.
Parkhurst guests can enjoy Forged Partners products knowing they are thoughtfully sourced with real stories behind them. In turn, these independent artisans gain the support they need to sustainably grow.
Real Partnerships, Real Impact
Forged Partners isn’t about adding novelty for novelty’s sake: It’s about building long-term relationships rooted in shared values—craft, quality, and care. In addition to providing nutritious and delicious food to guests, Parkhurst partners with local producers to limit travel and lighten our carbon footprint, making it an economically and logistically sustainable way of supporting the community.
Hungry Monkey Baking Company
Founded by Cindy Kienzle, Hungry Monkey Baking Company began with a single, well‑loved chocolate chip banana bread recipe that had been shared for years with friends, family, and coworkers. After losing her job and looking for a more flexible path that would allow her to support her young daughter’s needs, Cindy was encouraged to bake for a local charity event benefiting children with learning disabilities. The bread sold out, and the response made it clear there was something special worth building.
What started as a small, community‑driven effort quickly grew into a purpose‑led business, fueled by word of mouth, local support, and a commitment to quality and care. From farmers’ markets to grocery shelves, Hungry Monkey has stayed rooted in its original values: making great food, building genuine connections, and doing business with heart.
Pastries A-La-Carte
Founded by Kathy Battis after her home‑baked cakes gained a loyal following, Pastries Á LaCarte opened its Pittsburgh storefront in 2004 and has since grown into a regional favorite for custom cakes, pastries, pies, cookies, and specialty desserts.
With deep family roots, a commitment to quality, and decades of experience, Pastries A‑La‑Carte is known for creating beautiful, made‑from‑scratch sweets for everyday treats and milestone celebrations, as well as forging partnerships with some of the area’s most well‑known venues and organizations.
“Through our shared commitment to craftsmanship and service, Pastries ALaCarte and Parkhurst have forged a strong partnership rooted in the values we both champion,” said Jessica Chincovich, business manager. “Working with Parkhurst has amplified our visibility with an audience who appreciates thoughtful sourcing and the small producers behind exceptional food while providing us with substantive, tangible support surpassing our expectations.”
Mediterra
Parkhurst partners like Mediterra, known for their artisan breads and commitment to traditional baking methods, bring authenticity and craft to everyday dining moments.
“We are honored to be part of Parkhurst’s commitment to highlighting and using small, local businesses through our inclusion in the Know Your Source and Forged Partners programs,” said Sally Jarocki, Mediterra Sales Director. “While chefs and teams know they can rely on Mediterra for an array of bread and pastry needs, having these designations identifies us as a Parkhurst partner with particularly aligned values, resulting in trust between our teams and even more growth.”
Why Forged Partners Matter
In each case, Parkhurst works closely with partners to support brand growth, operational readiness, and responsible scaling. Helping small producers grow isn’t secondary to offering variety: It’s central to our core values and commitment to knowing where our food comes from and who makes it.
To see these partnerships in action, follow along on Instagram and explore our Know Your Source philosophy to learn more about how Parkhurst brings purpose to the plate.
