More Than a Kitchen: What the Real Good Kitchen Community is Serving Up

Real Good Kitchen is Knoxville’s first, full-service shared commercial kitchen, and we’re building a community with the space and resources that will help food entrepreneurs succeed. Our facility is currently under construction, and we plan to open our doors in November, 2020. Here’s some of what we have to offer!

I. WE WILL HELP YOU FIND THE GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT YOU NEED TO THRIVE.

“Successful food businesses aren’t just about having a winning food recipe; it’s also very much about having a winning business recipe. RGK can help on both fronts—provide the tools you need to succeed on the food part but also the guidance you need to formulate the latter.” 

Ayumi Bennett, Creative Strategist

Real Good Kitchen is a full-service kitchen which means that we provide our members with more than physical space. We offer group learning resources, business development plans, and mentorship opportunities. Our kitchen is a community of entrepreneurs with diverse talents and skills, and we have a wide network of resources to meet your needs. 

II. WE PROVIDE YOU WITH THE SPACE TO GROW.

What keeps me excited about RGK is the opportunity to be a space for new business owners to feel supported and part of something. When I started my small business I felt so alone and overwhelmed. The idea that I can help give folks a space to move past that into feeling empowered and confident is amazing!

Mel Mullins, Kitchen Manager

Our facility is a 2,500 square foot kitchen with ample production space and a flexible layout to accommodate events, classes, and even photo shoots. The facility will be secured with cameras inside the kitchen and outside the building, as well as security lighting around the facility. Our members will receive individual access codes and can reserve space in our kitchen day or night. We offer hourly and monthly packages, so businesses have flexibility in selecting a plan that works for them. If you’re not sure Real Good Kitchen has what you need, check out our list of kitchen equipment and resources here.

III. OUR TEAM IS IN YOUR CORNER.

“As someone who started their own business, it can be very lonely. Not many people around you can understand the challenges you face and the dedication it requires. I love the idea that Knoxville food entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to meet fellow business owners going through the same experiences. I truly believe in community over competition, and the Real Good Kitchen culture really encourages positive, mutually beneficial relationship building. We work better together.” 

Alex Rifwald, Digital Marketing Intern

Our Real Good Kitchen team is committed to providing you with the resources you need to grow your business. Our team members have experience owning and running  small businesses, so we understand the joys and the challenges you face. Wherever you are in your business journey, we are here to support you every step of the way. 

IV. WE’RE NOT JUST A BUSINESS; WE’RE A COMMUNITY.

“My favorite thing about RGK is that we are a business serving other businesses. When our members thrive, we thrive. We get to build a community that emphasizes service and collaboration, a community that uplifts entrepreneurs and creates more equity, opportunity and financial security for more people through food.

Bailey Foster, Founder

Our team works collaboratively with our members to build the community and provide the resources we all need to thrive. We make connections locally to create a network of like-minded Knoxville entrepreneurs and community partners. As a public benefit company, our business is driven by our mission and is accountable to all of our stakeholders. 

V. OUR MISSION AND VALUES EMPOWER AN INCLUSIVE GROUP OF ENTREPRENEURS. 

“Real Good Kitchen’s primary mission is to create real change within the Knoxville community. We are not driven by profit but rather an earnest effort to lift up other businesses and help them realize their goals. Real Good Kitchen is a welcoming community where food lovers and creators can thrive.”

Erin Papakostas, Content Creation Intern

Our motto is “Make Change Through Food.” We are committed to using our platform to create equity and fight injustice within our community. As a LGBT-owned and woman-run business, we are dedicated to making the Real Good Kitchen community a safe and welcoming space that values and elevates diverse talents, experience and traditions.

VI. YOUR SUCCESS MEANS EVERYTHING TO US. 

“I just love that at the heart of RGK's mission is a desire for everyone to succeed. Everyone should have a chance at making their most delicious food dreams come true and be their own boss in this industry. We're here to bridge that gap. Plus, as a foodie myself, I want nothing more than for the ethnic and cultural food scene in Knoxville to continue to grow.”

Rachel Weaver, Marketing Manager

We recognize the challenges that come with opening a food business, particularly during a global pandemic, and we have our members’ safety and well-being in the forefront of our minds. We will enforce strict hygiene measures and comply with all CDC guidelines to ensure peace of mind for you and your customers now and in the future. 

Here’s how you can get started with Real Good Kitchen.