For over a decade, I ran Cookie Martinez, a catering company specializing in empanadas, hosting various events and participating in farmers’ markets in Toronto, Canada. As a member of the Future Food Salon since 2013, I have also been at the forefront of using insects as a sustainable source of food.

My journey with Cookie Martinez began by selling cookies from The Depanneur to cafes around the city and eventually led to opening a food shipping container at Market 707.

In 2019, I expanded my business to focus more on catering and opened a new location at The Junction Triangle. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, I continued to operate as a take-out service and built a wonderful community in the neighborhood.

However, after much thought and with my husband and two-year-old son, I have made the difficult decision to move to Germany, where my husband’s family resides, in order to be closer to them and have additional support.

I am grateful to all the amazing customers who have supported me and helped me grow my business over the years