Can-Do Kitchen Project

About the Kitchen Location, Rental Info Entrepreneurs News & Events Past & Future

Since 2008 the Can-Do Kitchen has been nurturing entrepreneurial aspirations and helping to grow the local food movement in Kalamazoo. In just a few years we have provided dozens of food entrepreneurs the opportunity to begin and expand their production without having to invest in the costly infrastructure that can impede the growth of small businesses.

On August 6, 2011 two local chefs raced in a three course competition using a mystery
ingredient that they didn't know until the showdown began - Sweet Corn!

Your Donation Helps Close the Gap

The new Can-Do Kitchen at 511 Harrison (same building as People's Food Co-op) is busy with clients & classes but we are still raising funds for equipment and programming.

Shelving, Racks & Tables - $44,223

Pots & Pans - $1,788

Small Wares - $2,283

Outdoor Sign - $958

Cabinets - $5,108

Interior Build-out - $6,603

Innovative Programming - $11,608

A number of local foundations, businesses and individuals have already donated over $145,000 of our $189,930 goal! As of November 1st we only need $43,607 more to close the gap. View the CDK Campaign Brochure.

A huge Thank You to those who have already dontated to our CDK campaign:

Harold & Grace Upjohn Foundation
Molly & Robert Lehman
John Dillworth
Paul A.Stermer
Aliisa Laahti
Bruce Schultz
Kylie Schultz
Lori Evesque
Elizabeth Forest
Lucy Bland & Chris Dilley
Carol Pratt
Deborah Childs
Dhera & David Strauss
Peyton Bland & Rebecca Spangler
Mary Louise Bland
Sally D. Bland
Betsy & Mitchell Brown
Elizabeth & Donald Sebastian
Arlyss Childs & Floyd Hammontree
Donald & Ann Parfet Family Foundation
Ann Nieuwenhuis
Patrick Cronin & Karen Halstead
Jill Terwilliger & Charles Henderson
Aliisa Lahti
Anastasia & Caroline
Martha Englands Wildflowers
Rebecca Silence
Jennifer Liedel
Kendra Leep
Matthew Claus
Vicki Berglund and Andy Gould
Bruce Schultz
The Adventures of Barb & Tammy

Tom Small
Billie Denson
Anne M. Mills
John W. & Rosemary Kopel Brown
Kelly Doyle
Nicole Newman
Angela & Aaron Van Heest
Hether & Matt Frayer
Willson Insurance Agency
Clara's Kitchen LLC (Michael Kruk)
T.H. Harding Co.
SKP Design
Kreis Enderle Hudgins & Borsos
Bronson Hospital
Biggs Gilmore
Miller-Davis Foundation
Irving S. Gilmore Foundation
Fetzer Institute
Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Local Initiatives Support Corp.
Kalamazoo Rotary Club Charities
Kim Davison
Eana Agopian
Christy Honsberger
Erin Abueva
Amy Holysz
Vicki Berglund
Anonymous donors
Helen Coverdale
Phyllis M LeRoy
Michigan Land Trustees
Willson Insurance Agency

Donate to upcoming new vegetarian restaurant, Fuel and Can-Do Kitchen with one click!

Fuel donates $10 of every $100 donated to the Can-Do Kitchen. Visit their fundraising page and look for them at the corner of Alcott & Burdick in mid-September. Yum!

What is the Can-Do Kitchen?

The Can-Do Kitchen is a food business incubator and commercial kitchen facility that aims to:

Incubate start-up food businesses by providing a low-risk environment and connecting to resources
Increase the availability of local foods in
the region
Facilitate the sharing of cooking skills among community members

How we support entrepreneurs in graduating from the incubator:

Intake Interview with Recommended Next Steps given by CDK Staff
Food Safety and Sanitation Training, guidance in obtaining own food license
Recommendations for local farmers markets & other venues to purchase ingredients and sell your product
Connections with SBTDC, graphic designers & marketing firms, food testing laboratories & nutrition labeling resources
Our facility is a Low Acid Certified Facility with the FDA
Consulting: One on One Meetings or Commercial Cooking/Baking Consultations
Media connections
Promotion on Fair Food Matters' website
Connections with wholesale food distributors
Branding - Can-Do Kitchen logo label, to be affixed on packaged products or incorporated into label
Can-Do Market Expo - annual showcase of current Can-Do Kitchen businesses, networking within the food industry

Where can you find products made in the Can-Do Kitchen?

How do I get started?

Starting a new business can seem daunting. We can help you break them down into manageable steps. Please contact us (call 269-492-0261 or email kitchen@fairfoodmatters.org) to get started, and to sign up for a Group Tour and Intake.

Contact Us

Please call Sheena or Lucy at 269-492-0261 or email us for more information. The Can-Do Kitchen is located at 511 Harrison St, in the People's Food Co-op building.