Why we exist:
525 Kitchen exists for one simple reason: good food ideas shouldn’t fail because space is too expensive. We are a low-cost, shared-use commercial kitchen built to remove facility cost as the biggest barrier between a good idea and a real food business, providing functional, affordable space for food entrepreneurs, farmers, and makers who are ready to sell—not just dream. We’re not a luxury kitchen — we’re infrastructure. As a nonprofit serving central Kentucky, we support early-stage food businesses with access to licensed kitchen space, shared resources, and practical, real-world support so they can stay legal, keep costs low, and build something sustainable long enough to grow. We believe farmers should be able to sell more of what they grow, small food businesses shouldn’t have to take on debt just to start, and access matters more than state-of-the-art equipment. Through our kitchen, programs, and community connections, we also help move locally grown food into the hands of people who want it—strengthening both businesses and the local food system along the way.
Who we help:
- 🌱 Farmers & Local Producers
Looking to turn raw ingredients into value-added products and reach new customers - 🚀 Aspiring & Early-Stage Food Entrepreneurs
People with an idea, a recipe, or a side hustle who need a place to start - 🔥 Young Entrepreneurs & Students
Teens and young adults exploring food as a skill, career, or business opportunity - 🍳 Cooks Ready to Go Pro (or Try It Out)
Home cooks, bakers, and makers testing the waters before taking a big financial risk - 🧁 Small Food Businesses Ready to Grow
Vendors who need licensed space, consistency, and room to scale - 🏡 Community Members Who Want to Learn
Anyone of any ability-level who wants to cook better, eat better, and feel more confident in the kitchen - ❤️ Individuals in Underserved or Food Desert Communities
People who may not otherwise have access to commercial kitchens, training, or fresh food opportunities
What we offer:
- 🏢 Licensed Commercial Kitchen Access
Affordable, flexible space to legally produce and sell food—without the cost of building your own kitchen - 📋 Guidance Through the “How Do I Even Start?” Phase
Support with permits, health department steps, and getting your business off the ground - ⏱️ Flexible Scheduling That Works for Real Life
Hourly or membership-based kitchen use that fits side hustles, small businesses, and growing operations - 🧑🍳 Hands-On Cooking Classes & Skill-Building Programs
From beginner basics to themed classes (like teen cooking and Food is Medicine), designed to be practical and approachable - 🌱 Opportunities to Grow & Test Your Ideas
A place to experiment, refine recipes, and build confidence before taking bigger risks - 🤝 A Built-In Community
You’re not doing this alone—connect with other cooks, entrepreneurs, and local food producers - 🛒 Connection to the Local Food Ecosystem
Opportunities to work with local farmers, markets, and community events
Who we are:
The idea for 525 Kitchen began in April 2022, when Julie Derringer and Cynthia Smith, owners of The Flying Waffle, were searching for an affordable commercial kitchen for their food truck. When they realized how limited and cost-prohibitive options were, they built the solution they needed — and then opened it to others facing the same barriers. What started as a kitchen for one business grew into a shared space for many.
