How Luisa Morocho created Gunflint Gold Granola
Prospect Kitchen sits in a cozy shared space on University Avenue, right at the crux of the Twin Cities borders. It’s here that Luisa Morocho carefully maintains and builds her granola wholesale business by herself. Her signature product, Gunflint Gold Granola, is carefully made from scratch when it’s ordered, in order to ensure that those who purchase are able to savor the fresh and crunchy flavor. Containing rolled oats, honey, coconut oil, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, raisins, cane sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, the granola gives off a unique flavor profile that is sure to complement any bowl of cereal, home-made smoothie, or pastry. So how did Luisa come to build this one-woman operation in the Twin Citeies? The answer starts in South America.
Born in Ecuador, Luisa immigrated to America in 2000, where shortly thereafter she began working in the restaurant industry. After years of experience, she opened Prospect Kitchen as a breakfast spot in 2020, serving traditional breakfast and lunch fare to the masses. While she deemed the restaurant a worthwhile experiment, it ultimately wasn’t the right fit for her life with her two young children, who instead became the kernels of inspiration for the granola business.
As a busy mother and business owner, Luisa found that her young children enjoyed nutritious, crunchy foods. After some experimentation, she started selling granola wholesale two years ago, mainly focusing on local co-ops as her customers. She’s found a solid customer base with those who are in the market for the rare combination of a keto-friendly, grain free, low carb, yet delicious and flavorful granola. Though currently rotating just a few flavors, her own favorite is peanut butter and cacao. And though she’d like to expand her offerings, the amount of orders she fulfills keeps so busy that other recipes can go on the back burner for a while.
It’s been far from easy for Luisa to build this business. As an non-native English Speaking immigrant with two young children, she’s had to persevere to carve out her niche, yet she states that she is well on her way to meeting her goals. And though she’s not entirely sure where the road for Prospect Kitchen leads her, she’s confident that as long as she stays positive, Prospect Kitchen will thrive. So next time you’re in the bulk department, enjoy Gunflint Gold Granola yourself, and taste Luisa’s love and care for her craft yourself, and support a local woman-owned business!