ANDERSON, S.C. (WSPA) – A new shared kitchen recently opened in Anderson. Its owners believe this will change the game for entrepreneurs and current restaurant owners looking to take their careers to new heights.
“We have a lot of food businesses that used to have to drive back and forth to Greenville and other surrounding areas upstate, but now they don't have to. You can drive five to 10 minutes down the street,” said Share Kitchen Incubator Manager Francesca Milford.
That's not all. It will also offer free business education and workforce development programs.
“It's been my husband's lifelong dream to start a food business. He's been talking about this ever since I could remember. We knew there were people here to support us along the way. I was so happy,” said Samika Strickland, co-owner of Strickland Soul Food and Barbecue.
There are two kitchens. One for general food users and one for bakeries. There is also a dishwashing room and prep area.
Shamika Strickland said the kitchen equipment provides everything she and her husband need to begin their journey.
“We will prosper, our business will flourish, our menu will get bigger and better, and all the resources we get from the shared kitchen will be beneficial to us and will make us better businessmen.” Strickland said.
The manager of the shared kitchen said this was a win-win for everyone.
“We'll be able to contribute even more to the community and allow these businesses to thrive and provide really great food options that didn't exist before or didn't have the means to do so. I’m really excited,” Milford said.
The shared kitchen is open for food entrepreneurs from Monday to Saturday from 6am to 10pm. We will be closed on Sundays for general cleaning.
Officials said they will soon launch a website where business owners can reserve a time to reserve space in the shared kitchen. In the meantime, please contact Francesca Milford at (864) 231-2605.
