A kitchen residency is when an established brick-and-mortar restaurant opens its doors to another food business during the hours they’re normally closed.

The resident chef or pop-up gets to use the kitchen, dining room, and equipment to serve their own menu.

Think of it like an artist-in-residence…but for food. Instead of building a restaurant from scratch, a pop-up gets the chance to bring their food to a permanent space while creating a unique experience for guests.

Why is it important?

Opening restaurant is incredibly expensive. A residency helps reduce some of the biggest barriers by providing access to:

• a fully equipped kitchen

• a dining space for guests

• an opportunity to grow without the full cost of a permanent lease

For many pop-ups, a residency is an important stepping stone. It allows chefs to refine their menu, build a loyal following, and learn how to operate a restaurant service — often bringing them one step closer to opening a brick-and-mortar of their own.

It’s also a collaboration, not a takeover. The restaurant shares its space, and the residency brings fresh ideas, new guests, and a different dining experience. It’s a way for both businesses to support one another and strengthen the local food community.

That’s why we’re so grateful for this opportunity. Kitchen residencies are built on trust, generosity, and collaboration —and we don’t take that lightly. We can’t wait to welcome you and share what’s next.