Built to Grow: Prep Food Co.’s Story in Northumberland
What started with a vision for fresh, locally focused food has grown into a familiar name in Northumberland’s food scene.
Founded by entrepreneur Zak Copeland, Prep Food Company has evolved from an early-stage business into a thriving downtown Cobourg operation. Its offerings include freshly prepared meals, meal subscriptions, catering, lunch and takeaway options, and a growing range of house-made sauces, condiments and specialty foods.
Throughout that growth, Zak has remained focused on the principles that shaped the business from the beginning: making food from scratch, sourcing locally wherever possible and finding practical ways to reduce waste.
Today, Prep Food Co. products can be found beyond its downtown storefront, with popular lunch kits available through local retailers and establishments across the region, as well as through online ordering.
Growing a Business, Step by Step
Nventure first worked with Zak as he was preparing to launch Prep Food Co., helping fund the equipment needed to get started through the Community Futures Program (CFP). As the business grew and new opportunities emerged, Zak returned to Nventure for additional financing at key stages of Prep Food Co.’s evolution.
That growth has included adapting through the pandemic, moving into larger spaces and ultimately taking over the former Dutch Oven restaurant location in downtown Cobourg. The move gave Prep Food Co. the opportunity to bring new life to a well-known local space while continuing to expand its offerings and presence in the community.
The business has since grown to occupy two units downtown. “Working with Nventure has been an incredible experience for Prep Food Co. Right from the start, they truly believed in my vision and provided the exact guidance I needed to grow the business,” said Copeland. “Their team has always made every step easy with clear, comfortable, and supportive communication.”
For Nventure, the relationship reflects the role the CFP can play throughout the different stages of building a business. “When an entrepreneur has a strong vision and plan, along with the ambition and commitment to build a successful business in our community, the Community Futures Program can support that growth over time, step by step,” said Kim Botrie, Nventure’s Loan Manager. “Our understanding of the local market allows us to look at both the opportunity in front of an entrepreneur and where that opportunity could lead.”
Rooted in the Community
Prep Food Co.’s growth has also been closely connected to the community around it. The business works with local producers and suppliers wherever possible, contributes to Northumberland’s food and hospitality sector and regularly participates in local events, fundraisers and community initiatives.
Zak’s entrepreneurship and community involvement were recognized in 2023 when he received the William Crossen Young Professional Award through the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cobourg. The award recognizes young business leaders for professional achievement and contributions to their community. In 2024, he returned to the entrepreneurial community as a featured speaker in the Town of Cobourg’s Revenue Growth Series at Venture13, sharing his experience with other local business owners.
What began as Zak’s vision for a different kind of food business has become a fixture in downtown Cobourg and a strong example of local entrepreneurship in action. Prep Food Co.’s continued growth reflects the value of supporting ambitious entrepreneurs with the right backing when it matters most.
