May 3—Aspiring business owners with a passion for cooking now have a professional resource in Sharpsburg.
Virginia-based Frontier Kitchen is the newest business incubator assisting entrepreneurs in navigating the culinary world.
"Our mission is to empower people to achieve their entrepreneurial goals and create strong, sustainable companies," said co-owner and CEO Brenda Cromer.
The Sharpsburg facility provides the tools and space for making food, along with experts at the ready to advise on marketing, understanding required certifications and business training.
The building is in a former Elks building at 2310-12 Main St. and offers 4,000 square feet of co-working space.
The business opened March 1 and to date has enrolled 13 members.
"They're all food entrepreneurs that include caterers, food trucks and small-batch food producers," said kitchen director Jamie Walters.
Frontier Kitchen members include food truck businesses Alberta's, Red Eye BBQ and Black Cat Pizza, caterers Wild Onyinz and Maestro Italian and Sustain Nutrition, a protein-prep delivery meal service.
YeGa Kimchi (a Korean fermented food) is the most recent member, and Walters said the former La Dorita's paved the way for Frontier Kitchen to continue the incubator concept.
Walters provided a tour Wednesday that included a hot line area featuring tables, a commercial prep facility, three kitchens, multiple storage spaces and a conference room.
"The most exciting part for us is helping people who are looking to get started," Walters said.
Walters of Jeannette has more than 13 years working as a regional district manager for 22 gardening stores.
Full- and part-time membership options range from $500 to $1,175 monthly, with six- or 12-month contracts available.
A food truck membership is the least expensive option (around $500) and includes the use of Frontier Kitchen to handle all waste disposal, sanitizing and dishwashing and food storage, as required by health departments nationwide.
Anyone 18 and older can apply for membership.
"It's open to anybody looking to start their own food business, and the only requirement besides payment is that the member must show proof of a legitimate business," Walters said. "We get them prepared to be able to go out on their own by offering business mentorship through our kitchen directors."
Walters, originally from Butler County, enjoys the social environment offered in shared kitchens.
"My big thing is helping members with networking," Walters said.