Clinton Culinary: Renovation Update - Temporary Closure April 8-12, 2024
Clinton Culinary, the restaurant incubator located inside the Wilson Lofts, announces a temporary closure from April 8 to April 12, 2024, for extensive improvements and expansion efforts. This decision aims to support the growth of culinary entrepreneurs in the region.
The upcoming closure will facilitate a reconfiguration of the space, geared towards creating a more efficient environment for the incubator tenants. The improvements will enable Economic Growth Corporation, ultimate owners of the incubators, to better fulfill its mission of nurturing small businesses and contributing to the economic development of the community. Situated in the historic Wilson Building at 217 5th Avenue South, Clinton Culinary serves as a vital hub for emerging culinary talents. Housed within incubator is Soi 5 Thai, a new Thai cuisine establishment that opened in December 2023. As part of the temporary closure, Soi 5 Thai will also be temporarily closed during this time.
Feedback received from Soi 5 Thai has been instrumental in identifying specific areas for improvement that extended beyond the initial scope of construction. These insights were crucial in refining operations and attracting additional culinary options to enrich the culinary landscape of the Clinton region.
"We are committed to supporting the aspirations of startup businesses," stated Brian Hollenback, President/CEO of Economic Growth Corporation. "The temporary closure presents an opportunity for us to implement valuable upgrades that will pave the way for future growth and success."
Soi 5 Thai is expected to reopen on Monday, April 15.
About Clinton Culinary: Clinton Culinary is a dynamic restaurant incubator located in the Wilson Lofts at 217 5th Avenue South. Dedicated to fostering culinary innovation and economic growth, the incubator provides aspiring food entrepreneurs with a supportive environment to launch and develop their businesses. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, Clinton Culinary aims to enrich the local dining scene and create opportunities for sustainable success. The objective is for the restaurants being incubated to eventually expand into larger establishments with full staffing, while new restaurant ventures emerge within the incubator space. Typically, these initial restaurants will have small staffs, often consisting of the founders themselves. However, the long-term employment impact is significant, as the aim is to witness bakeries, restaurants, and catering businesses outgrow the space and necessitate larger workforces. This initiative serves as a job creator, with the resulting increase in employment cascading through our local economy, bolstering its overall strength.
About Makers on 5th: In addition to Clinton Culinary, the Wilson Lofts also accommodate Makers on 5th, a retail incubator situated adjacent to it at 217 5th Avenue South. The mission of Makers on 5th mirrors that of Clinton Culinary: providing a platform for established business owners with innovative ideas or aspiring entrepreneurs to test their concepts in a low-risk environment before fully launching their ventures. These incubators offer a practical business education within a supportive framework, providing a safety net for participants. GEOME + Ph.yla Store, a high-end jewelry and plant store, curated by jewelry designer and plant enthusiast, a https://www.wilson-lofts.com/clinton-culinary1.html.
About the Incubators: Almost $1 million was invested in developing the incubators, on top of the $15.6 million redevelopment of 33 apartments at Wilson Lofts. Retail and restaurant entrepreneurs can try out their business ideas with low risk and high flexibility. The incubators offer flexible leases with WIFI and utilities included, helping entrepreneurs learn while minimizing financial risks and encouraging growth and innovation. Sponsorship opportunities are available for those interested in supporting the growth and development of small businesses through the incubators: https://www.wilson-lofts.com/sponsor-our-business-incubators.html.