When The Yard, later renamed Fishers District, was first conceived, a major part of the plan centered on what is generally called a “restaurant accelerator,” allowing chefs to experiment and try new things without the major expense of opening a new restaurant.  The first operations of the “test kitchen” were Korave Korean BBQ, Lil Dumplings Global Street Food, and The Signature Table.  They have been serving customers since the operation opened.

It is now time to give other chefs the opportunity to avail themselves of the Fishers Test Kitchen.

Aspiring chefs, restaurateurs, food truck operators, farmers’ market vendors, and other culinary experts can apply to try out a new food concept and build a following with the goal of eventually opening their own restaurant.

The Fishers Test Kitchen launched in February 2020 as a restaurant accelerator that combines access to a full-service state-of-the-art kitchen and storefront with business coaching and mentorship from Launch Fishers’ CEO John Wechsler along with several restaurant and hospitality industry veterans. As part of the program, the Fishers Test Kitchen signs restaurant entrepreneurs to short-term contracts that allow for a changing line-up of chefs to cycle in and out of the Fishers Test Kitchen as they test new food concepts. The Fishers Test Kitchen is co-located within the Fishers Sun King Brewery and Tap Room and serves customers within the 350-seat family-friendly dining area.

“The goal of The Fishers Test Kitchen is to improve the culinary ecosystem in Fishers by giving chefs and restaurateurs world-class spaces, coaching, and support to prepare them to launch original food concepts in Fishers,” says Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, in a city news release. “We are here to serve every Fishers resident, but we also recognize our role in supporting our growing innovation economy by giving startup and tech companies the local dining options they demand.”

Chefs may submit applications at this link.