Wooden Spoon
Mankato, Minnesota
Food From The Heart
In the heart of Mankato, Minnesota, Wooden Spoon has earned a reputation for delivering wholesome, homemade food with a creative twist. Under the direction of owner Natasha Frost, the business has evolved from a local favorite into a catering and bakery enterprise that feeds not only customers—but also the spirit of the community.
Wooden Spoon’s story is one of resilience, vision, and continual growth. From the beginning, Natasha believed in the power of food to bring people together. Whether preparing meals for busy families or catering large events, she and her team have prioritized high-quality ingredients, thoughtful service, and a deep connection to their customers.
Natasha brought both culinary expertise and business savvy to her role, but as Wooden Spoon expanded, the demands of managing operations, marketing, and growth strategies intensified. That’s when she reached out to the South Central Minnesota SBDC.
Investing In The Community
Through one-on-one consulting and strategic advising, the SBDC helped Natasha assess the business’s current operations and identify scalable opportunities. With support from marketing and finance specialists, she developed a clearer roadmap for growth, refined her pricing strategy, and explored new tools to optimize operations.
“The SBDC gave us structure at a critical time,” Natasha shared. “We were growing quickly and needed help organizing our next steps. The consultants were responsive and genuinely invested in our success.”
Since engaging with the SBDC, Wooden Spoon has expanded its catering capacity, diversified its menu offerings, and improved internal systems. From nonprofit fundraisers to corporate luncheons and weddings, the business has become a go-to partner for meaningful events across the region.
Wooden Spoon’s impact extends beyond the plate. Natasha has created local jobs, invested in staff development, and mentored other food entrepreneurs in the area. “We’re proud to contribute to Mankato’s food economy,” she said. “We see food as a way to connect people and uplift community.”
“It’s about building relationships and offering comfort and joy through food. I’m proud to do that here, in a place that feels like home.”
Offering Comfort and Joy Through Food
Navigating the pandemic, supply chain challenges, and inflation taught Natasha to be adaptable and forward-thinking. “Flexibility has been key,” she said. “And having the SBDC as a resource for brainstorming and troubleshooting made a real difference.”
Her advice for other business owners is rooted in her own experience: “Surround yourself with good people. Know your numbers. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
For Natasha, being a small business owner in South Central Minnesota means creating something lasting—something that feeds more than just customers. “It’s about building relationships and offering comfort and joy through food,” she said. “I’m proud to do that here, in a place that feels like home.”
Looking ahead, Natasha plans to explore new retail opportunities, continue strengthening her catering business, and invest in more sustainable food practices. With Wooden Spoon’s solid foundation and the SBDC’s ongoing support, the future is as flavorful as ever.
