Assemblyman Josh Hoover recognizes business for resilience, community service and growth following devastating 2022 fire
Assemblyman Josh Hoover has named Elena’s Kitchen & Catering the 7th Assembly District’s Small Business of the Month for August, recognizing the North Highlands family business for its hospitality, community involvement and resilience in overcoming adversity.
Hoover, R-Folsom, announced the recognition Monday, highlighting a business that grew from owner Elena’s lifelong passion for cooking into a full-service catering and food operation serving customers throughout the Greater Sacramento region.
Elena’s passion for cooking began during her childhood in Uzbekistan and continued through years of preparing food for church functions, community gatherings, weddings and other celebrations. What began as a love for cooking and serving others eventually developed into a family business.
As the operation expanded, Elena’s husband, Leonid, joined the company as chief executive officer and strategic partner. Drawing on his experience in construction and business, he helped establish the company’s first commercial kitchen and take-out restaurant in Carmichael, providing a foundation for continued growth.
Community service has also remained a focus for Elena’s Kitchen & Catering. The business has supported the Life Change rehabilitation program through food donations, financial assistance and employment opportunities aimed at helping people build better lives.
The business faced one of its greatest challenges in 2022, when a devastating fire destroyed its Carmichael location. Elena, Leonid and their team rebuilt the operation at a new and expanded facility in North Highlands.
Today, Elena’s Kitchen & Catering serves thousands of customers through full-service catering, freshly prepared take-out meals, a cafeteria and bakery, as well as event halls used for weddings, corporate functions and community celebrations.
“Elena’s Kitchen & Catering is a wonderful example of the resilience, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit that make our small businesses so special,” Hoover said. “Elena and Leonid have built more than a successful family business. They have created a place that serves their community, provides opportunities for others, and continues to move forward even in the face of tremendous adversity. I am proud to recognize Elena’s Kitchen & Catering as the 7th Assembly District Small Business of the Month.”
Hoover said the business continues to make a positive impact throughout North Highlands and the Greater Sacramento region through its commitment to quality, hospitality, service and community.
Elena’s Kitchen & Catering is located at 4604 Roseville Road, Suite 112, in North Highlands.
Hoover represents California’s 7th Assembly District, which includes Citrus Heights, Folsom and Rancho Cordova, along with the unincorporated communities of Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Foothill Farms, Gold River, Mather, McClellan Park, North Highlands, Orangevale and Rosemont.
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