The holiday season is a time of celebration, togetherness, and, of course, delicious food. What better place to combine all of these elements than within your shared kitchen space? Here, we will explore some exciting holiday programming ideas for your shared kitchen that will not only boost revenue for your innovative space but also provide valuable support to local food businesses.
Thanksgiving Meal Delivery Feast
Thanksgiving is a time when families and friends come together to give thanks and enjoy a hearty feast. Consider offering a special Thanksgiving meal delivery service, allowing community members to savor a delicious, locally-sourced Thanksgiving dinner without the hassle of cooking.
Team up with your kitchen renters to create an unforgettable Thanksgiving menu. Customers can pre-order complete Thanksgiving meals, including roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pies, and all the traditional fixings. These meals, prepared by talented local chefs and artisans that operate out of your shared kitchen, provide a high-quality dining experience and a stress-free holiday for those purchasing. It’s a win-win for all parties involved, fostering a sense of community and gratitude during the holiday season.
This year, Our Time Kitchen is offering Thanksgiving meals to their community, crafted by their vendors. Check out their expansive menu.
Gift Boxes
Local products hold immense value, especially during the holiday season when people are searching for meaningful and unique gifts. Curate gift baskets filled with a selection of locally-sourced goods that are produced by local businesses operating within your shared kitchen. This not only introduces customers to local products but also supports these small enterprises. These gift baskets can include artisanal sauces, spices, jams, baked goods, and other delicious treats. Gift baskets can be tailored for various tastes and budgets, making them an ideal present for family, friends, and colleagues.
La Cocina offers gift boxes that come filled with delicious packaged foods, all locally made in small batches by La Cocina entrepreneur businesses. The kitchen has also spearheaded a meal subscription program, Panza Llena Corazón Contento, that delivers weekly family-style omnivore and vegetarian meals. The program is an effort to support La Cocina food businesses, as each weekly meal is prepared by a different La Cocina business. The subscription offerings outline the sales generated for entrepreneurs from each weekly box, offering buyers insight into the impact of their purchase.
Collaborative Pop-Up Markets
Organizing collaborative pop-up markets during the holiday season is a win-win for both shared kitchens and local food businesses. Consider offering your space to local vendors, allowing them to showcase their unique products. This mutually beneficial arrangement generates extra revenue for your shared kitchen while giving local businesses a platform to promote and sell their goods. These markets can also become a central hub for holiday shopping, encouraging shoppers to buy local products for their loved ones.
Hope & Main is hosting a Meet your Maker Winter Market series, featuring craft cocktails and dinner from local vendors.
Holiday Food Show
A holiday food show is a fantastic way to showcase the culinary talents of shared kitchen members. This event can be a delightful fusion of cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and even competitions to determine the best holiday-inspired dishes. Local chefs, bakers, and artisans can participate, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for the community. Attendees will be able to not only savor these delectable creations but also gain inspiration for their own holiday cooking.
Incorporate live music, cooking challenges, and even a “People’s Choice” award to make it an unforgettable event. The products and ingredients used in the show can be made available for purchase, giving local businesses a direct opportunity to connect with their audience. This will not only bring the community together but will also provide a platform for local culinary talents to shine and local products to take center stage.
CommonWealth Kitchen hosted a Food Show for the public this fall! The ticketed event offered attendees the chance to support locally-owned businesses by purchasing unique, handcrafted food products from CommonWealth Kitchen vendors. Check out a recap of the event here!
Shared kitchens offer a unique platform for community engagement during the holiday season. By embracing these holiday programming ideas, you can increase your revenue, strengthen ties with local food businesses, and have a meaningful impact on your community. Local products from these businesses make perfect gift ideas, as they embody the spirit of the season, support small-scale entrepreneurs, and provide a taste of the region’s culinary culture.
