Geary County Commissioners heard a proposal Monday for a Community Culinary Collective Project. The idea suggested by Calicia Simmons would essentially be an incubator or shared kitchen, said Commission Chair Trish Giordano. At least 12 businesses would participate," with different culinary genre's. There's Puerto Rican, Cajun food, Haitian, cheesecake, barbecue."
The proposal called for use of the Geary County 4-H / Senior Center but there are some checks into possibility liability issues there, explained Giordano. "But we think it's a great idea and we told her if were are unable to get her into the 4-H Center that we would try to help her get a place possibly with a kitchen big enough to accommodate. "
The project is founded on a desire to cultivate low income food entrepreneurs as they formalize and grow their businesses. It would provide emerging entrepreneurs the opportunity to work on their project in a certified kitchen, and connect with classically trained chefs in their industry mentorship.
The collective plan would range from weekly schedules of shared space and times to delivery schedules and catering contracts with Fort Riley and Geary County Chamber of Commerce businesses.