Pensacola Cooks Opens New Commissary Kitchen and Pop-Up Dining Space
Pensacola’s culinary scene has just received an exciting boost with the opening of Gather: A Culinary Collective, the second commissary kitchen launched by Pensacola Cooks. Located at 41 S. Navy Blvd., in the former Ceviche 805 location, Gather is not just another kitchen space; it introduces a novel concept to the area—a pop-up restaurant space that allows local chefs and food entrepreneurs to showcase their culinary talents.
A Response to Growing Demand
The inception of Gather was driven by the increasing demand for commissary kitchen space in Pensacola. Denise Shelton, Gather’s Director of Operations, noted that at one point, there was a waitlist of nearly 20 potential partners eager to bring their culinary dreams to life. “They couldn’t move forward with their dreams and goals without our services. I felt pressure to help,” Shelton explained. This need for additional kitchen space and resources inspired the creation of Gather, which aims to foster a vibrant culinary community.
More Than Just a Kitchen
Gather is designed to serve multiple purposes. It provides essential commissary kitchen space and food truck plug-in stations for local chefs and restaurateurs, while also featuring a shared dining room where chefs can host rotating pop-up meal services throughout the week. This unique setup allows food entrepreneurs to experiment with their offerings in a supportive environment, paving the way for future brick-and-mortar establishments.
Building a Culinary Community
The concept of Gather goes beyond just providing kitchen space; it aims to cultivate a sense of community among local food vendors. Shelton emphasized the importance of this micro-community, stating, “We have a strong sense of a micro-community within Pensacola Cooks, and this second location has encouraged that to blossom even more.” The shared space fosters collaboration, creativity, and support among chefs, which is vital for their growth and success.
Legal and Practical Benefits
Operating out of a commissary kitchen also offers practical advantages, particularly regarding legal compliance. In Florida, various food businesses, including caterers, product manufacturers, and mobile food vendors, are required to work from licensed commissary kitchens. Gather serves as an incubator for chefs looking to launch their own businesses while alleviating the financial burden of overhead costs that can be daunting for newcomers in the industry.
A Diverse Culinary Experience
Gather is already home to 11 incubator partners, with eight actively participating in the pop-up rotation. The culinary offerings are diverse, featuring everything from BAM Coffee’s assorted beverages and light breakfast options to lunch and dinner from vendors like Luther’s Touch of Heaven, Pensacola Catering, Ethiopian Cuisine by Friends, and Steel Pony Diner. Additionally, food truck partners such as Pipa Snacks, Arlene’s BBQ, and Sweet Love contribute to the eclectic mix of flavors available at Gather.
A Unique Event Space
In addition to its kitchen and dining facilities, Gather offers a private event space that can accommodate around 80 guests. This versatile area is perfect for celebrations such as baby showers, wedding receptions, and other gatherings. Event hosts can choose from a selection of in-house caterers, each specializing in different cuisines, providing a unique culinary experience for their guests.
Flexible Hours and Accessibility
Gather operates on a pop-up basis, meaning that its hours can vary based on the vendors occupying the space. Daily schedules are confirmed weekly and posted online, allowing patrons to stay informed about which vendors will be serving on any given day. This flexibility not only benefits the vendors but also keeps the dining experience fresh and exciting for customers.
Join the Culinary Collective
For local food entrepreneurs interested in becoming incubator partners, Gather ensures that all partners are properly vetted to meet legal and state requirements, including inspections by the necessary regulatory authorities. Those interested can reach out via email for more information.
Conclusion
Gather: A Culinary Collective is more than just a new kitchen space; it represents a thriving community of culinary talent in Pensacola. With its innovative pop-up dining concept and commitment to supporting local food vendors, Gather is poised to become a cornerstone of the local food scene. For more information about Gather and its offerings, visit pensacolacooks.com/gather or check out their Facebook page, “Gather: A Culinary Collective.” Whether you’re a food lover or an aspiring chef, Gather promises to be a place of culinary exploration and community connection.