Union Kitchen
Cullen Gilchrist (co-founder)
Jonas Singer (co-founder)
Summary
Union Kitchen is a food business accelerator and commercial kitchen space provider based in Washington D.C. Founded in 2012 by two food entrepreneurs, the company aims to support food entrepreneurs and help them build sustainable food businesses.
Union Kitchen offers a range of programs to help food entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground, including mentorship, access to a shared commercial kitchen space, marketing and branding support, and connections to industry resources. They also provide retail and wholesale distribution channels through their own grocery stores and partnerships with other retailers.
In addition to their support of food entrepreneurs, Union Kitchen is also committed to promoting a more sustainable and equitable food system. They work with local farmers and suppliers to source high-quality ingredients, and they prioritize partnerships with businesses that share their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
History
Union Kitchen is a Washington, D.C.-based food business accelerator and commercial kitchen that was founded in 2012 by Cullen Gilchrist and Jonas Singer. The idea for Union Kitchen was born out of the founders' own experience as food entrepreneurs struggling to find affordable kitchen space and resources to grow their businesses. They saw a need for a supportive community and shared resources to help small food businesses thrive.
Initially, Union Kitchen was just a shared kitchen space for local food entrepreneurs, but over time it evolved into a full-fledged food business accelerator. Today, Union Kitchen provides a range of services to help food entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses, including access to shared kitchen space, business coaching, branding and marketing support, distribution and logistics, and more.
Union Kitchen has also expanded beyond its original location in Northeast D.C. to open additional commercial kitchen spaces in other parts of the city, including Ivy City and Capitol Hill. In addition to its kitchen spaces, Union Kitchen also operates two grocery stores in D.C. that showcase products from its member businesses.
Since its founding, Union Kitchen has supported hundreds of food entrepreneurs, helping them to create and launch new products, secure distribution deals, and grow their businesses. It has become a key player in the D.C. food scene and a model for other food business accelerators and shared kitchen spaces across the country.
Investment criteria
Union Kitchen is a food business accelerator that invests in and supports food businesses, particularly those in the Washington, DC area. The organization has a specific set of investment criteria to determine which businesses to work with. Some of these criteria include:
- Focus on local: Union Kitchen seeks to support businesses that are locally focused and engaged in the community. This means that they prioritize working with businesses that source their ingredients locally and have a positive impact on the local economy.
- Product quality: The organization looks for businesses that are creating high-quality, innovative products that have the potential to stand out in the market.
- Scalability: Union Kitchen invests in businesses that have the potential to scale up their operations and grow quickly. This means that they look for businesses that have a clear path to expansion and a strong growth plan.
- Entrepreneurial team: The organization also looks for businesses with strong, experienced entrepreneurial teams who have a passion for their product and a clear vision for their business.
- Social impact: Union Kitchen is committed to supporting businesses that have a positive social impact. This includes businesses that are focused on sustainability, food waste reduction, and other social and environmental issues.
Values
Union Kitchen is a mission-driven food business accelerator and shared kitchen based in Washington D.C. that aims to build a stronger and more sustainable local food system. The company has a set of core values that inform all of its work and partnerships.
One of Union Kitchen's primary values is community. The company seeks to create a supportive community of food entrepreneurs who can work together and learn from each other. This value is reflected in the shared kitchen and workspace that Union Kitchen provides, which allows entrepreneurs to collaborate and connect with each other.
Mission
Union Kitchen is a Washington, D.C.-based food business accelerator and commercial kitchen. The company was founded in 2012 by Jonas Singer and Cullen Gilchrist with the mission to build a new food economy that would empower entrepreneurs and strengthen communities.
Union Kitchen's mission statement is to "empower food businesses by providing the resources and support they need to succeed." The company seeks to achieve this mission by providing access to affordable commercial kitchen space, food industry expertise, marketing and branding support, distribution channels, and financing options. The ultimate goal is to help entrepreneurs build scalable and sustainable food businesses that contribute to the local economy and create jobs.
Portfolio
Union Kitchen is a Washington D.C.-based food and beverage accelerator and commercial kitchen with a focus on empowering local food entrepreneurs. The organization's portfolio includes a variety of food and beverage businesses, from artisanal ice cream makers to craft beer brewers.
Some of the companies in Union Kitchen's portfolio include:
- Capital Kombucha: A craft kombucha brewery that uses locally-sourced ingredients to create unique flavours.
- Pearl Fine Teas: A tea company that specializes in premium loose-leaf tea blends.
- Panorama Bakery: A bakery that specializes in handcrafted pastries, bread, and other baked goods.
- Gouter: A plant-based snack company that creates organic, raw, and gluten-free treats.
- Pops by Haley: A gourmet popsicle company that uses locally-sourced ingredients to create unique and refreshing flavours.
References
https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/union-kitchen-3ec5
https://www.zoominfo.com/c/union-kitchen/359360671
https://rocketreach.co/union-kitchen-profile_b5f1b39ff63deba2
https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/103264-03
https://www.indeed.com/cmp/The-Union-Kitchen
https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Union-Kitchen-and-Tap-EI_IE1021103.11,32.htm
https://www.presshook.com/brands/union-kitchen/
https://unionkitchen.pinpointhq.com/?department_id=%5B14328%2C14326%5D
Cullen Gilchrist (co-founder)
Jonas Singer (co-founder)