MANSFIELD — When Annamarie Fernyak, founder of Mind Body Align, stumbled upon an opportunity “by accident” that could benefit local food entrepreneurs, she didn’t waste any time in putting a plan into motion.
It all started when Fernyak was checking out the lower level of the Barrington One building, which was previously home to several former restaurants, including Castle Keep and LA Cheers. Fernyak noticed the space’s commercial kitchen and thought it could be used by local food entrepreneurs.
“So here I am,” she said months later after devoting much time and effort into renovating the kitchen. “It (the kitchen) does fit within the mission of Mind Body Align, so I felt like it was a pretty good adjunct to what we were already planning to do, and so far the response has been really great.”
The MBA Entrepreneurs’ Kitchen is now available for use by area caterers, bakers and food entrepreneurs. This 1,500-square-foot, shared-use, commercial kitchen includes two six-burner gas stoves with an oven, two gas convection ovens, a 20-quart and 8-quart mixer, dishwasher, dry goods storage, cooler and freezer. Fernyak said there will also be a 12-or 13-inch diameter meat and cheese slicer.
People may access the kitchen via an elevator or exterior staircase.
While well-suited for various vendors, the kitchen is especially useful for food trucks, which oftentimes don’t have adequate space to do food prep, Fernyak said. The space also includes a restaurant-style eating area, which may be used by members of the MBA Entrepreneurs’ Kitchen for events that they cater.
Those interested in using the kitchen are encouraged to visit the Mind Body Align website, where more information can be found regarding membership rates.
Butterfly House
Another one of Fernyak’s projects is the Butterfly House, located at 20 N. Mulberry St. The house is currently under renovation and will offer yoga and workshop spaces, as well as conference rooms and private offices for rent.
“It’s meant to support wellness practitioners, so there is private office space available for counselors, therapists, life or wellness coaches — any kind of professional who needs a private office and doesn’t have enough of a need to rent their own space,” Fernyak explained.
The offices will be outfitted with live streaming technology, sound equipment (for voice recording purposes, not music), desks, tables, chairs, massage tables and accessories for therapists and body workers.
The space will include a gathering room that accommodates 15-25 people and may be used for wellness classes. There will also be a cafe, retail area and book loft, Fernyak said.
People will be available to rent the space by the hour, half-day, day and more.
Fernyak said the house has traditionally been known as the Butterfly House and that she decided to keep the name because butterflies are a symbol of transformation.
Opening day is slated for the beginning of October, Fernyak said, and the grand opening is expected to be held in November.
