On Wednesday I attended an open house at the Entrepreneur Space in Long Island City, Queens. It was amazing. The night not only showcased the great facility, but also the dedicated culinary business owners who use the space. Often described as a "culinary and food incubator," Entrepreneur Space houses a 5,500 square foot kitchen, classrooms, and office space-- all available for rent.
A year ago the kitchen was in jeopardy as funding dried up and its operator-- the Consortium for Worker Education-- could no longer afford to lease the space. That's when the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) stepped in and offered a financial and operational lifeline. Over 95 businesses use the space now, representing a variety of culinary ideas. Some of the owners whom I spoke with during the open house had recently experienced job layoffs, while others were going through career transitions, or simply following their dreams. Many praised the space for its affordability and business support services. QEDC hopes to open more of these facilities in the future across the city.
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