The Culinary Incubator That Helps Your Food Business Thrive

Grow Your Food Business with Rhode Island’s Premier Culinary Incubator

Hope & Main’s culinary incubator program provides food entrepreneurs in Rhode Island with a low-risk path to develop, test, and scale their businesses without the high costs and responsibilities of running their own commercial kitchen. From refining business models to building customer relationships and distribution channels, our expert mentors guide you every step of the way. Join our thriving community of passionate food innovators and turn your culinary dreams into reality.

We work closely with each member to polish ideas and develop business models, as well as help cultivate customer connections and distribution opportunities.

Food businesses in our full-service incubator program also receive extensive mentoring and immersion in an entrepreneurial environment where they can collaborate with industry experts and peers.

Members don’t just cook here. You’re a part of our community, and we look forward to helping you realize your dreams.

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  • Individualized costing & pricing meeting
  • Wholesale preparation assistance
  • Access to more than 80 direct buyers
  • An amplified social media presence, sharing with more than 12,000 “followers” and “friends”
  • Accelerated acceptance to our Makers Markets, with discounted stall rate
  • Opportunity to promote product and business at Hope & Main Downtown Makers Marketplace
  • A full slate of business and processing resources such as food scientists, pH testing, recipe scaling, branding, labeling, graphic design, costing, nutrition facts and more
  • Exclusive event invitations and registration discounts
  • A supportive, inclusive environment where all are welcome

Housed in a century-old schoolhouse on historic Main Street in Warren, Rhode Island, our 17,500 sq. ft. facility is equipped to handle the needs of most startup bakers, caterers, specialty food producers, food trucks and other food and beverage businesses. All food preparation, packing and storage areas are regularly inspected and certified by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Our Demonstration Kitchen/Classroom, event space, garden and in-house farmers markets provide access to local food products, workshops and training, experiential education, and other community programming. We are a space where food entrepreneurs can share their passion with the community and where the public can actively participate in the local food economy.

Our signature incubation program’s curriculum offers members educational opportunities on a variety of critical topics like food safety, costing & pricing, and branding. This curriculum is designed by industry professionals for industry professionals, helping entrepreneurs develop their products and teaching how to run a thriving, profitable business. Regardless of culinary or business background, our program can help any food entrepreneur launch and manage successful businesses.

Learn more about Commercial Kitchens »

Member companies sign an agreement with us, and pay a monthly fee. The cost per company varies based on kitchen hours and storage space. Membership is on a month-to-month basis, allowing you great flexibility in managing your growth and pace of progress.

We will provide you with a customized pricing structure for your business once we’ve met and discussed your plans. Please fill out an inquiry form to get started.

FAQ’s

Still have questions? Read more on our FAQ page…

What does a food business incubator program do?

A food business incubator program helps aspiring culinary entrepreneurs launch, grow, and scale their businesses. These programs provide commercial kitchen space, business mentoring, assistance with licensing and certifications, access to industry connections, and practical resources to support business success.

What is a culinary incubator?

A culinary incubator is a specialized facility designed to support food entrepreneurs by providing affordable access to fully equipped commercial kitchens, business development resources, expert mentoring, and networking opportunities. Culinary incubators help new food businesses grow without the financial burden and risk of maintaining their own commercial kitchen.

How long do culinary incubator programs last?

The length of culinary incubator programs varies based on individual business goals and needs. Typically, entrepreneurs participate for one to three years, gaining support and mentorship until they are ready to operate independently or expand their business beyond the incubator environment.