A 20,000-square-foot culinary center that provides food service professionals with the ability to design, build, test, and launch a fully equipped commercial kitchen will open Tuesday in Southfield.
“The test kitchen allows chefs to come in, see the newest products, and try (new commercial supplies or appliances) before they buy,” says Rachel Wolff, event coordinator for the Great Lakes Culinary Center on Nine Mile, just west of Telegraph Road.
In addition, the center, owned by Marc Israel, who also operates Great Lakes Hotel Supply, will offer multi-use space to entrepreneurs looking to offer private parties and special events. Starting in January, the center will offer cooking classes, chef demonstrations, and provide aspiring chefs an opportunity to use a professional kitchen.
“People are calling to book birthday parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, wedding rehearsals, all sorts of events,” Wolff says. “We also hold corporate team building events such as Iron Chef-like challenges.
“We rent the kitchen for when (businesses) outgrow their home kitchens. All our equipment is on wheels. We can roll out the cooking equipment and bring in all baking equipment, so a baker can rent the space and make their products,” she adds.
The center, located at 24101 W. Nine Mile Rd., will host an open house Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In other food industry news, Kroger will begin stocking Davison-based Backwoods Mustard Co.’s Sweet Jalapeno mustard in 37 stores throughout the state. The product was first launched in June and can now be found in more than 80 retail outlets.
