BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Local chefs and entrepreneurs have a spot to grow their business ideas after the launch of a new culinary incubator in central Brooklyn.
Brooklyn FoodWorks, a 10,000-square-foot facility with a shared kitchen and co-working space, opened its doors on Wednesday on Flushing Avenue to offer mentoring, equipment and resources for up-and-coming businesses.
“We’re excited to be a resource to connect them with the amazing things that are happening in the food scene all across this borough, all across this city,” said Brooklyn FoodWorks President Drew Barrett.
“And we’re just ecstatic that we can play a part in helping bring those products and bring those entrepreneurs to the rest of the world.”
The incubator at 630 Flushing Ave. is spearheaded by DinnerLab, which hosts unique dining events across the country and has already signed up at least 40 new members, according to the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
At its full capacity, it will be able to serve up to 100 businesses.
Out of its current members, 35 registrants are women and minority-owned businesses, 25 are based in Brooklyn and four are residents of NYCHA, said NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer.
“It's really the type of microcosm of entrepreneurs who want to make sure that we are growing this city in the most inclusive way,” Torres-Springer added.
The founders of Metabrew, a company that creates healthy energy drinks, show off their product at the opening of culinary incubator Brooklyn FoodWorks. Photo Credit: DNAinfo/Camille Bautista
Members utilizing Brooklyn FoodWorks’ facilities include Brooklyn Cold Brew Coffee Co., Brooklyn Cookie Company, catering groups and small-batch salsa makers.
Vander J. Carter, who owns startup Jest Green, said he hopes to use the kitchen space to prep fresh ingredients and juices and, more importantly, test recipes and collaborate with other entrepreneurs.
“I was in a smaller kitchen before and it was just me cooking, nothing else really happening,” Carter said.
“Now I have different creatives to bounce ideas off of. I really appreciate the access and one thing I really wanted was some mentorship.”
In addition to providing resources and programming in areas such as marketing, insurance and financing education, Brooklyn FoodWorks will also host local food discussions, tastings and networking events.
“We want this place to be a cross pollination of ideas, creativity and ethnicities,” Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said at Wednesday’s ribbon cutting.
“Diversity is a success that will make us a great place not only to produce a great food product, but great human beings. We are manufacturing good Brooklynites.”
Memberships start at $195 a month, with varying plans depending on entrepreneurs’ needs.
The incubator is also offering a $100,000 scholarship program for individuals that need additional financial support to cover the cost of classes and facilities.
For more information, visit the Brooklyn FoodWorks website or email info@thebrooklynfoodworks.com.
