MANSFIELD – Idea Works, Inc. is excited to announce plans to expand and update its shared kitchen space at 144 W 3rd St., Manfield.
“As of Jan. 1, 2025, we will no longer be managing the coworking location at 40 W. 4th St. as we focus our attention on meeting the growing demand of Mansfield culinary entrepreneurs,” said Executive Director Korinna Goettel.
“Just like the entrepreneurs we serve often do, we’re pivoting.”
Growing momentum of food entrepreneurship
Goettel explained that over the course of the last 12 months, the board realized that momentum behind culinary entrepreneurship was increasing.
“During board meetings and conversations with members of the culinary ecosystem, we are realizing that there’s a need in North Central Ohio for a full-service shared use kitchen for food entrepreneurs,” Goettel said.
Idea Works Board Chair, Jay Allred, agrees with Goettel.
“We’re excited about this change, because it simplifies the mission of Idea Works and allows us to point all of our energy toward where the need is greatest, which is to grow a supportive, healthy and inclusive local food scene that’s full of opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs.”
Idea Works is also seeing increasing demand for cooking and healthy living classes.
Over the past several months, Idea Works has been approached by many community organizations expressing a need for cooking classes and a space to host them.
“So many of our local families, college students, and elderly are suffering from increasing food costs. If we can show them how to use healthy, widely available ingredients to prepare low cost meals, we can fill a tremendous food insecurity gap.”
“We often hear people complain they buy produce from Farmers’ Markets but don’t know how to prepare it when they get home. We are working to address this problem by partnering with local organizations to host market cooking demonstrations.” Goettel said.
Idea Works is also partnering with area hospitals to teach healthy cooking classes to people with chronic health conditions.
“The more we work with local organizations, the more we recognize the increasing need in our community to focus our energy and resources on food and away from co-working.” Goettel said.
Expansion of shared commercial kitchen space
Idea Works currently occupies only a part of the building at 144 W. Third St. as a shared commercial kitchen space.
It plans to update the vacant portion, formerly used by the social club Sons of Italy, and convert it into a multifunctional space that can be used by kitchen member’s for special events, cooking classes and private parties.
The organization has applied for a grant from the Ohio Department of Agriculture to purchase new equipment and plans to apply for more grant funding to pay for the renovation of the space with the goal to have the newly renovated space ready by January 2025.
What happens to co-working members after Dec. 31?
● Carousel Properties will be managing the facility
○ Contact Amy Rehbein with any questions
■ Email amy@carrouselproperties.com
■ Phone 419-610-2100 x102
● Member billing will transition from Idea Works to Carrousel Properties in January of 2025
○ Members will receive a form from Carrousel Properties to submit their billing information
○ Members will be set up to pay online
● For additional information, please contact Carrousel Properties.
A place for food entrepreneurs to thrive
Are you a passionate food entrepreneur looking for a place to create, innovate, and share your culinary masterpieces? Come join us.
Our shared kitchen is designed to empower chefs, bakers, and food artisans of all kinds to pursue their dreams and grow their businesses.
Here’s what you can expect from our fully licensed commercial facility:
● Fully equipped commercial kitchen: Say goodbye to the hassle of sourcing expensive equipment. Our kitchen is equipped with everything you need to bring your recipes to life.
● Flexible workspace: Whether you’re a solo chef or part of a team, we have the space to accommodate your needs. From individual workstations to shared prep areas, we’ve got you covered.
● Storage solutions: Need a place to store your ingredients, equipment, or finished products? Our storage options ensure that everything you need is right at your fingertips.
● Convenient scheduling: We understand that every chef’s schedule is unique. That’s why our flexible booking system allows you to reserve kitchen space when it works best for you.
● Community support: Joining our shared kitchen means becoming part of a vibrant culinary community. Collaborate with fellow chefs, attend workshops and events, and share your passion for food with like-minded individuals.
● Month-to-month contracts: We understand that entrepreneurship is risky and that sometimes you need to pivot to something different.
That’s why you only have to commit to monthly contracts at Idea Works so that you have the flexibility you need to succeed as a business owner. Ready to take your culinary journey to the next level?
Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more about our membership options.
Let’s cook up something amazing together!
Korinna – 419-565-4495 or Korinna@ideaworksohio.com Jessi – 419-610-2413 or Jessi@ideaworksohio.com.