Assemblyman Josh Hoover presents the 7th District Small Business of the Month for August to Elena’s Kitchen & Catering. Photo courtesy of the Office of Assemblyman Josh Hoover

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - On Aug. 17, Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) announced that Elena’s Kitchen & Catering has been named the August 2026 Small Business of the Month for the 7th Assembly District.

Small businesses are the backbone of the 7th Assembly District and our nation, creating jobs, strengthening neighborhoods and bringing communities together. Elena’s Kitchen & Catering represents that spirit through its dedication to hospitality, community service and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Elena’s Kitchen & Catering was founded through Elena’s lifelong passion for cooking, which began during her childhood in Uzbekistan. Over the years, that passion grew through preparing food for church functions, community gatherings, weddings and special celebrations. What began as a love for cooking and serving others eventually grew into a thriving family business.

As the business expanded, Elena’s husband, Leonid, joined the company as chief executive officer and strategic partner. Drawing on his experience in construction and business, Leonid helped the family establish its first commercial kitchen and take-out restaurant in Carmichael, laying the foundation for the business’s continued growth.

Hospitality, service and giving back to the community remain at the heart of Elena’s Kitchen & Catering. The business has supported the Life Change rehabilitation program through food donations, financial assistance and employment opportunities, demonstrating a commitment to helping people in the community build better lives.

In 2022, Elena’s Kitchen & Catering faced one of its greatest challenges when a devastating fire destroyed its Carmichael location. Rather than allowing the tragedy to define their story, Elena, Leonid and their team responded with remarkable faith, strength and resilience. They rebuilt the business in a new and expanded facility in North Highlands, turning a difficult setback into an opportunity to continue serving their customers and community. Today, Elena’s Kitchen & Catering serves thousands of customers through full-service catering, freshly prepared take-out meals, a cafeteria and bakery, and event halls for weddings, corporate functions and community celebrations.

“Elena’s Kitchen & Catering is a wonderful example of the resilience, generosity and entrepreneurial spirit that make our small businesses so special,” said Assemblyman Josh Hoover. “Elena and Leonid have built more than a successful family business. They have created a place that serves their community, provides opportunities for others, and continues to move forward even in the face of tremendous adversity. I am proud to recognize Elena’s Kitchen & Catering as the 7th Assembly District Small Business of the Month.”

Through its commitment to quality, hospitality, service and community, Elena’s Kitchen & Catering continues to make a positive impact throughout North Highlands and the Greater Sacramento region. Assemblyman Hoover congratulates Elena, Leonid and their entire team and wishes them continued growth and success.

Elena’s Kitchen & Catering is located at 4604 Roseville Rd #112, North Highlands, CA 95660.

Josh Hoover represents Assembly District 7, which includes the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom, and Rancho Cordova and the unincorporated communities of Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Foothill Farms, Gold River, Mather, McClellan Park, North Highlands, Orangevale and Rosemont.