CoMo Cooks Shared Kitchen

Recognizing that the local community of makers, artisans, crafters, and cooks has a significant impact on our economy, The Loop CID was awarded two national grants to help identify and support local, small-scale manufacturing. The CoMo Cooks Shared Kitchen was a direct recommendation of a public visioning process and is even more critical today given the impact of COVID-19 on the local economy.

CoMo Cooks benefits our community by:

• Encouraging the growth of local food entrepreneurs by reducing barriers and creating opportunities for those without easy access to a commercial kitchen, including those who have been impacted by racial, social, and economic inequality. 
• Supporting local and regional farmers by providing cost-effective space to produce value-added products. 
• Increasing the economic vitality of the Business Loop by developing a catalytic project that can spur new food-based businesses along the corridor. 
• Creating quality jobs that support upward economic mobility for the residents of Columbia and Boone County. 
• Providing a space that can be used in the future for business incubation, workforce development, food safety classes, and other training opportunities. 

What our kitchen offers:

• Health department certified spaces
• Flexible rental hours + 24 hour scheduling
• Affordable rates and tiered membership levels
• Dry/cold/freezer storage available
• Shared workspace and meeting rooms

Available Equipment

• 3 Compartment Sink
• 60 Quart Mixer
• 20 Quart Mixer
• Automatic Dish Machine
• Char Broiler
• Convection Ovens
• Food Slicer
• Freezers
• Griddle
• Hand Wash Stations
• Prep Stations
• Proofers
• Ranges
• Refrigerators

The Packing House Production Kitchen - New!

We are in the process of outfitting a small-batch production kitchen within CoMo Cooks designed to provide an easy on-ramp for farmers interested in value-added production. Current specialized equipment includes a blast freezer, an impulse bag sealer, and equipment to slice, chop, grate, and blanch produce. Coming soon: garlic peeler, dehydrator, professional blenders, and more.

Additional Benefits

• Tiered billing for a range of client needs
• Online reservation system for classes
• Collaborative entrepreneurial environment
• Access to business workshops and coaching
• PR + social media support for businesses and startups
• Participation in the CRE8 shared branding program for local makers
• For more information, contact Trish Sieckmann, our kitchen manager, at [email protected]