**LONDON, ON** — Yaya’s Kitchen has been named a **2026 Canada Small Business 100 Winner**, joining the inaugural group of 100 businesses recognized from across the country. The Canada Small Business 100 celebrates entrepreneurs and businesses contributing to Canada’s economy, communities and culture. For Yaya’s co-founders **Malvin Wright and Chef Maryam Yaro**, the national recognition marks another milestone in a journey that began around their backyard table in London in 2017. > "We started Yaya’s with the belief that food could do more than feed people,” says Wright. “It could carry stories, preserve memory and bring people together. To see something that began around our backyard table recognized nationally is incredibly meaningful.” Yaya’s Kitchen explores the Global Black Experience through food, culture and storytelling, using its dining experiences to share the histories and culinary connections of Africa and its global diaspora. What began as an intimate dining experience has since grown into an award-recognized culinary and cultural business. In 2026, Wright and Yaro opened Yaya’s Café inside Museum London, extending their approach to food, hospitality and community into one of London’s major cultural institutions. Yaya’s has also begun taking its culinary storytelling beyond London. In September, a four-person Yaya’s team travelled to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia for experiences at Mount Allison University and Dalhousie University, followed by an eight-course public dinner in Dartmouth exploring African Diaspora migration, history and identity through food. Yaya’s has previously received **Signature Culinary Experience and Most Innovative Culinary Experience** recognition within Ontario’s tourism sector. For Wright, the Canada Small Business 100 recognition represents something broader. > “Small businesses can create jobs and economic activity, but they can also tell stories, preserve culture and create places where people belong,” he says. “That is the kind of business we have always wanted Yaya’s to become.” Wright and Yaro credit their team, guests and community, along with partners including Tourism London, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation and Museum London, with helping an unconventional London idea grow into a nationally recognized small business. **About Yaya’s Kitchen** Founded in London, Ontario by Malvin Wright and Chef Maryam Yaro, Yaya’s Kitchen explores the Global Black Experience through food, culture and storytelling. Its work includes tasting experiences, Yaya’s Café inside Museum London, catering and culinary and cultural programming. **Media Contact:** Malvin Wright, Co-Founder Yaya’s Kitchen & Yaya’s Café 519-319-3463 **Interviews and photography available upon request.**