{{Infobox company | name = Union Kitchen | logo = Union Kitchen logo (2023).png | logo_caption = | type = Private | industry = Business incubator | founded = {{Start date and age|2012}} in Washington, D.C. | founders = Jonas Singer <br/> Cullen Gilchrist | hq_location_city = Washington, D.C. | hq_location_country = United States | area_served = <!-- or: areas_served = --> | key_people = Cullen Gilchrist (CEO) | products = | owner = <!-- or: owners = --> | num_employees = | num_employees_year = <!-- Year of num_employees data (if known) --> | parent = | website = {{URL|https://www.unionkitchen.com/}} }} '''Union Kitchen''' is an American business incubator based in Washington, D.C.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/on-small-business/union-kitchen-a-cooking-space-for-start-ups/2013/04/26/9302b8e0-adc1-11e2-a986-eec837b1888b_story.html|title=Union Kitchen: A cooking space for start-ups|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=2023-12-26|archive-date=2022-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929120009/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/on-small-business/union-kitchen-a-cooking-space-for-start-ups/2013/04/26/9302b8e0-adc1-11e2-a986-eec837b1888b_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/union-kitchen-gives-small-food-businesses-a-space-to-call-their-own/2013/09/04/6c8ea67c-117d-11e3-b4cb-fd7ce041d814_story.html|title=Union Kitchen gives small businesses a space to call their own|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=2023-12-26|archive-date=2023-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531160233/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/union-kitchen-gives-small-food-businesses-a-space-to-call-their-own/2013/09/04/6c8ea67c-117d-11e3-b4cb-fd7ce041d814_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto6">{{Cite web|url=https://wtop.com/food-restaurant/2016/03/union-kitchen-where-food-truck-dreams-come-true/|title=Union Kitchen: Where food truck dreams come true|date=March 22, 2016|website=WTOP News|access-date=December 26, 2023|archive-date=December 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226113829/https://wtop.com/food-restaurant/2016/03/union-kitchen-where-food-truck-dreams-come-true/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Union Kitchen merges the concepts of a shared kitchen and a business incubator, catering primarily to small food businesses.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/11/23/union-kitchen-entrepreneur-of-the-year-finalist/18605711/|title=Union Kitchen mixes good food with smart business|first=Susan|last=Davis|website=USA TODAY|access-date=2023-12-26|archive-date=2024-09-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901161229/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/11/23/union-kitchen-entrepreneur-of-the-year-finalist/18605711/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==History== Union Kitchen was founded as Black Strap Bakery<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/the-blind-dog-cafe-at-darnells/2012/02/17/gIQA18IkgR_story.html|title=The Blind Dog Cafe at Darnell's|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> in 2012 by Jonas Singer and Cullen Gilchrist in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/shared-kitchen-helps-food-entrepreneurs-cook-up-success-/1877823.html|title=Shared Kitchen Helps Food Entrepreneurs Cook Up Success|date=March 24, 2014|website=Voice of America|access-date=December 26, 2023|archive-date=December 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226113829/https://www.voanews.com/a/shared-kitchen-helps-food-entrepreneurs-cook-up-success-/1877823.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/355994/state-of-the-artisan-will-new-food-incubators-help-create-a-culinary-business-boom/|title=State of the Artisan: Will New "Food Incubators" Help Create a Culinary Business Boom?|first=Jessica|last=Sidman|date=December 13, 2012|website=Washington City Paper|access-date=December 26, 2023|archive-date=December 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226120847/https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/355994/state-of-the-artisan-will-new-food-incubators-help-create-a-culinary-business-boom/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2021/03/30/union-kitchen-co-owner-refutes-douglas-development.html|title=Union Kitchen co-founder claims he is not responsible for unpaid rent|website=Washington Business Journal|access-date=2023-12-26|archive-date=2021-03-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330161325/https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2021/03/30/union-kitchen-co-owner-refutes-douglas-development.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It originated from Singer and Gilchrist's search for a kitchen space for their Blind Dog Cafe and Bakery.<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto"/> They repurposed a 7,300-square-foot vacant kitchen near the U.S. Capitol into Union Kitchen, starting with a few members.<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.washingtonjewishweek.com/you-should-know-jonas-singer/|title=You should know... Jonas Singer|first=David|last=Holzel|date=January 20, 2016|access-date=December 26, 2023|archive-date=December 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226113829/http://www.washingtonjewishweek.com/you-should-know-jonas-singer/|url-status=live}}</ref> The first food incubator was opened by Union Kitchen in 2012 in NoMa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/331798/how-union-kitchens-expansion-will-affect-d-c-s-food-scene/|title=How Union Kitchen's Expansion Will Affect D.C.'s Food Scene|first=Jessica|last=Sidman|date=September 10, 2015|website=Washington City Paper|access-date=December 26, 2023|archive-date=December 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226120836/https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/331798/how-union-kitchens-expansion-will-affect-d-c-s-food-scene/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=http://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/181664/food-entrepreneurs-have-much-to-weigh-before-tying-their-fates-to-union-kitchens-accelerator/|title=Food Entrepreneurs Have Much to Weigh Before Tying Their Fates to Union Kitchen's Accelerator|first=Laura|last=Hayes|date=February 14, 2019|website=Washington City Paper|access-date=December 26, 2023|archive-date=December 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226120837/https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/181664/food-entrepreneurs-have-much-to-weigh-before-tying-their-fates-to-union-kitchens-accelerator/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In February 2013, Washington D.C.'s government established a partnership with Union Kitchen aimed at supporting district residents in initiating culinary careers.<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://wjla.com/news/local/new-program-helps-d-c-residents-launch-careers-in-the-culinary-arts-85200|title=New program helps D.C. residents launch careers in the culinary arts|first=Mike|last=Conneen|date=February 13, 2013|website=WJLA|access-date=December 26, 2023|archive-date=December 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226113830/https://wjla.com/news/local/new-program-helps-d-c-residents-launch-careers-in-the-culinary-arts-85200|url-status=live}}</ref> The initiative provided entrepreneurs at Union Kitchen's Northeast Washington facility a platform for starting their businesses with reduced costs and risks.<ref name="auto4"/>
In May 2013, Union Kitchen acquired empty lots in NoMa, launching weekend open-air bazaars for food trucks and vendors to sell prepared foods.<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=http://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/354779/union-kitchen-takes-over-empty-lot-in-noma-for-open-air-bazaars/|title=Union Kitchen Takes Over Empty Lot in NoMa For Open-Air Bazaars|first=Jessica|last=Sidman|date=May 17, 2013|website=Washington City Paper|access-date=December 26, 2023|archive-date=December 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226120840/https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/354779/union-kitchen-takes-over-empty-lot-in-noma-for-open-air-bazaars/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/going-out-guide/wp/2013/05/22/union-kitchen-plans-live-music-happy-hours-and-food-trucks-in-noma/|title=Union Kitchen plans live music, happy hours and food trucks in NoMa|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> They also planned to host food events and acoustic music on Thursdays and Fridays, and to collaborate with Relay Foods for a weekly grocery pick-up spot.<ref name="auto5"/>
In March 2014, Union Kitchen opened a market and cafe in Capitol Hill.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/03/24/union-kitchen-owners-to-open-union-kitchen-grocery-a-food-market-in-capitol-hill/|title=Union Kitchen Owners to open Union Kitchen Grocery: a food market in Capitol Hill|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=2023-12-26|archive-date=2020-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122150019/https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/03/24/union-kitchen-owners-to-open-union-kitchen-grocery-a-food-market-in-capitol-hill/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/352442/union-kitchen-to-open-second-facility-for-d-c-food-businesses/|title=Union Kitchen to Open Second Facility for D.C. Food Businesses|first=Jessica|last=Sidman|date=February 11, 2014|website=Washington City Paper}}</ref>
In November 2014, the National Museum of Women in the Arts formed a partnership with Union Kitchen to manage the museum's Mezzanine Cafe.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/going-out-guide/wp/2014/11/07/union-kitchen-will-take-over-the-national-museum-of-women-in-the-arts-cafe/|title=Union Kitchen will take over the National Museum in the Arts Cafe|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=2023-12-26|archive-date=2022-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814211101/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/going-out-guide/wp/2014/11/07/union-kitchen-will-take-over-the-national-museum-of-women-in-the-arts-cafe/|url-status=live}}</ref> This collaboration involved a rotation of pop-up cafes operated by Union Kitchen's members.<ref name="auto3"/> In the same year, Union Kitchen was named as one of the finalists for ''USA Today'''s Entrepreneur of the Year award.<ref name="auto1"/>
In 2015, Union Kitchen expanded its operations by opening a second location in Ivy City.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/08/26/union-kitchen-opens-a-second-larger-facility-in-ivy-city/|title=Union Kitchen opens a second, larger facility in Ivy City|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=2023-12-26|archive-date=2023-04-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418063513/https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/08/26/union-kitchen-opens-a-second-larger-facility-in-ivy-city/|url-status=live}}</ref> It also invested $2 million in a 15,000-square-foot warehouse, increasing the capacity for new members.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/top-shelf/2014/02/food-incubator-union-kitchen-to-open.html|title=Food incubator Union Kitchen to open second location in Northeast D.C.|website=Washington Business Journal|access-date=2023-12-26|archive-date=2024-09-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901161332/https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/top-shelf/2014/02/food-incubator-union-kitchen-to-open.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto6"/><ref name="auto7">{{Cite web|url=https://washingtonian.com/2016/09/06/union-kitchen-co-founder-jonas-singer-steps-down-as-ceo/|title=Union Kitchen Co-Founder Jonas Singer Steps Down as CEO - Washingtonian|date=September 6, 2016|access-date=December 26, 2023|archive-date=December 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226113830/https://www.washingtonian.com/2016/09/06/union-kitchen-co-founder-jonas-singer-steps-down-as-ceo/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2016, Jonas Singer stepped down as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Union Kitchen.<ref name="auto7"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/inno/stories/profiles/2016/09/06/union-kitchen-co-founder-jonas-singer-out-as-ceo.html|title=Union Kitchen Co-Founder Jonas Singer out as CEO|website=Washington Business Journal|access-date=2023-12-26|archive-date=2024-09-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901161226/https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/inno/stories/profiles/2016/09/06/union-kitchen-co-founder-jonas-singer-out-as-ceo.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2018, Union Kitchen opened a 2,500-square-foot grocery store in the One Franklin Square building in Washington, D.C., and another 3,000-square-foot store in the redeveloped Ballston Quarter mall in Ballston.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2018/01/18/union-kitchen-opening-two-more-d-c-area-grocery.html|title=Union Kitchen opening two more D.C. area groceries|website=Washington Business Journal|access-date=2023-12-26|archive-date=2024-09-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901161320/https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2018/01/18/union-kitchen-opening-two-more-d-c-area-grocery.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Business model== Union Kitchen provides small food enterprises with six-month memberships to a regulated community kitchen at a reduced cost.<ref name="auto1"/> Additionally, Union Kitchen provides services in branding and distribution, as well as catering and distribution for member products.<ref name="auto1"/>
Union Kitchen also provides a distribution company managed by the incubator itself.<ref name="auto6"/> The membership also includes a coworking space situated near one of the kitchens.<ref name="auto6"/><ref name="auto2"/>
==See also== * Kitchen incubator
==References== {{reflist}}
Category:2012 establishments in Washington, D.C. Category:Business incubators of the United States Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.