By Kathy Gaillard
“The children of the village will burn it down to feel the warmth of its love,” is an African proverb that Bishop Walter Harvey references to illustrate the impetus for Upstart Kitchen, a project that evolved out of the 2016 civil disturbance in the Sherman Park neighborhood. After dialogues with youth and community residents, a group of pastors and community leaders, including Bishop Harvey, put their heads together to address their concerns and Upstart Kitchen emerged.
Prism Economic Development Corporation (PRISM) was incorporated in 2011 to provide the Sherman Park Community access to resources that result in sustained economic growth and human flourishing. Upstart Kitchen was founded by Prism.
“The seeds for Upstart Kitchen grew out of a cry for justice and has subsequently manifested itself economically. Upstart Kitchen is a food business incubator that has exceeded capacity and now has a long waiting list of potential entrepreneurs,” said Lorrie Towns, Upstart Kitchen’s Operations Manager.
Located at 4323 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Upstart Kitchen currently has 16 active members in the kitchen that fit into one of three categories—pre-venture, first-year entrepreneur, and established venture. Towns said that the goal is to maintain an equal number of entrepreneurs in each category.
Participants are expected to grow their businesses while operating out of Upstart Kitchen, which usually takes about five years. Some ventures grow in less time and sometimes it takes more than five years for vendors to move into their own space.
“We check in with participants and offer support services or resources. If a business has not grown within five years, we evaluate them to help mitigate obstacles that may be preventing their growth. Some of our members began producing food products as a “side hustle”, but to become a legitimate business, they need to operate out of a licensed facility. Upstart provides them with the space so that they can grow their business. Some members choose to continue operating with only a limited clientele” said Towns.
Individuals interested in Upstart Kitchen can sign up online for a virtual kitchen tour. Following the tour, they can begin the pre-application process which includes completing a health department application, obtaining a seller’s permit, and providing business documents, i.e., proof of LLC or tax documents.
“The application process costs between $300 and $1200. WWBIC or BizStart will assist individuals with the documents. The Health Department evaluates the kitchen space, which varies depending on their category of food service, such as a baker, caterer, or food truck.
After acceptance, a tiered program determines participants’ rent. For example, food trucks pay $100 a month and participants using eight hours of kitchen time are charged $112. Fees increase to upwards of $800 for full-time use.
Currently, using a scheduling program called Food Corridor, four vendors can work in the kitchen simultaneously and the facility is open 24 hours a day. Due to increased demand, Upstart Kitchen opened a second location across the street for high volume users.
“Plans are underway for Prism EDC to prepare youth for careers in the culinary industry under a program called Brigade MKE. The program will help youth ‘sharpen’ their culinary skills by preparing meals for Upstart Kitchen’s partnership with Children’s Hospital which offers nutrition classes to youth. Brigade MKE will also help youth transition into employment after training,” said Amari Malone, Communications Manager for Prism.
Recently Upstart Kitchen won two MANDI awards—for economic development and the “People’s Choice.” The verdict is in—Upstart Kitchen is a true gem in this community, growing entrepreneurial ‘diamonds’ and grooming youth in the culinary arts.
For more information about Upstart Kitchen call (414) 252-0014 or visit our website https://www.upstartkitchen.org