Uptown Kitchen - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Uptown Kitchen

Uptown Kitchen exists to foster and grow the food culture in Grand Rapids by providing affordable commercial kitchen space, assistance, and access to market opportunities for small food-based businesses.

We strive to engage with food and community in new and interesting ways with a space that supports a variety of participatory experiences. It’s a perfect spot for everything food related… growing your business, throwing a party, even making that big batch of salsa, jam or holiday cookies!

Uptown Kitchen was developed by Kelly LeCoy in response to the missing link between food entrepreneurs and the retail market. The idea won two business plan competitions and the May 2011 5×5 idea pitch, and officially opened its doors in February 2012.

The kitchen is located in Eastown, in the Uptown Business District of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It has accessible parking and is in the midst of a friendly, locally focused, and growing community.



5x5 Logo

 

Our Goals

  • Excite and renew the food culture in Grand Rapids
  • Serve as a culinary incubator
  • Support local community initiatives
  • Enable small, home based businesses to move beyond farmer’s markets, art fairs, and roadside stand and establish a greater market presence
  • Open up opportunities for food based start-ups who do not need or cannot afford a full-time licensed commercial kitchen
  • Provide a space for interaction between food and the community in a space that supports a variety of participatory experiences