Community Food Vendor Incubator Program
Community Food Vendor Incubator Pilot Program
Local Flavor. Big Stage. Endless Possibilities.
Hilliard Center, along with OVG Hospitality, is proud to launch the Community Food Vendor Incubator Pilot Program, a first-of-its-kind opportunity designed to elevate local culinary talent and strengthen community connections in Corpus Christi.
Through this program, one local food vendor every three to six months will operate from Concession Stand 202 inside Hilliard Center Arena during select events, gaining hands-on experience running a concession at event scale. The incubator transforms a traditional concession space into a launchpad for local flavor and entrepreneurship.
We’re inviting Corpus Christi-owned and operated food businesses to apply for this limited pilot opportunity.
Selected participants will operate for three to six months, aligning with a sports season or concert series, and will receive:
- Training on venue operations, food safety, and POS systems
- Guidance from OVG Hospitality’s culinary team
- Marketing and storytelling support through Hilliard Center platforms
- Guest feedback and sales performance insights
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be locally owned and operated within Corpus Christi
- Must hold current health certifications and insurance
- Must demonstrate the ability to handle event-scale operations and volume
- Applicants must not operate from a brick-and-mortar location
Ready to Apply?
Applications are open October 15 through November 1, 2025. Complete the form below to submit your business for consideration. Selected participants will be notified later this fall.
Community Food Vendor Incubator Pilot Program at Hilliard Center
OVG Hospitality at Hilliard Center is excited to launch the Community Food Vendor Incubator Pilot Program. Through this initiative, one local food vendor will be selected to operate a designated concession stand during events at Hilliard Center Arena for a three to six-month period. This program is designed as a launch pad for growth and development. Applicants who currently operate a brick-and-mortar location are not eligible.
