LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- More space means more opportunity.
A new kitchen wing of the Chef Space restaurant incubator is now open in Louisville's Russell neighborhood.Â
The grand opening Wednesday came with news that 12 more culinary entrepreneurs can move in.Â
The expansion announced in August 2023 was funded by the Old National Bank Foundation, The Gheens Foundation and the U. S. Small Business Administration.Â
More than 30 business owners are currently working at Chef Space. Some people rent space by the hour, and others work there full-time. The space offers prep space, tools and entrepreneurship classes, but the need is growing.
Andrea Wells has a business in Chef Space and said it offers a lot of resources.
"You do want a commercial licensed kitchen," she said. "You don't want to be doing this out of your home. You want o be legitimate. You grow. You make connections. There's all kinds of classes you can take to help if you get stuck."
Kroger also announced five new entrepreneurs selected to receive one-year scholarships for Chef Space. As part of the deal, the company will help with merchandise training.Â
Chef Space, on Muhammad Ali Boulevard at 18th Street, is part of the non-profit Community Ventures. It is Louisville's first kitchen incubator dedicated to helping food industry startups with the space, expertise and capital to launch their ideas.Â
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