The Loop CID and REDI are proud to announce that CoMo Cooks, a shared commercial Kitchen at Mizzou North, has received an operating permit from the City of Columbia health department and is now officially open for business.
CoMo Cooks will give all cooks a chance to turn their recipes into a business reality, regardless of background, income, or status. The goal is to increase entrepreneurial success by providing accessible, inclusive, and affordable kitchen space for starting and expanding local food-based businesses. Additional support provided by REDI and The Loop CID in the form of business coaching, shared branding, pop-ups and other promotions will help local food entrepreneurs succeed.
The CoMo Cooks project will benefit the community by:
Recognizing that the local community of makers, artisans, crafters, and cooks has a significant impact on our economy, REDI and The Loop CID teamed up to receive one of six national grants designed to help Columbia identify and support local, small-scale manufacturing along the Business Loop Corridor. This shared kitchen was a direct recommendation of that public visioning process and is even more critical today given the impact of COVID-19 on the local economy.
CoMo Cooks Kitchen Manager Bryan Maness, a restaurant industry professional with over 20 years of experience in kitchen management and project launches, said, “There’s a huge need for a shared commercial kitchen here in Columbia— food-based businesses face significant start up hurdles because outfitting a kitchen is such a financial barrier. Como Cooks can now help them grow by offering an affordable kitchen combined with business support.”
The kitchen offers tiered memberships starting at 10 hours a month with hourly fees starting at $15/hour. Available equipment includes: 3 Compartment Sink 60 Quart Mixer Automatic Dish Machine Char Broiler Commercial Food Processor Food Slicer Freezer Fryer Griddle Hand Wash Stations Prep Stations Proofers Convection Ovens Ranges Refrigerator Tilt Kettle Additional Benefits: Online reservation system Collaborative entrepreneurial environment Access to business workshops and coaching PR + social media support Participation in the : CRE8 shared branding program for local makers Potential clients interested in using the kitchen can visit www.comocooks.com for more information, links to business coaching services, and a preliminary sign up form. If you have questions, please call (573) 443-5667 or contact Carrie Gartner at [email protected] or Bryan Maness at [email protected]. |