The historic Pump House in Peoria Heights is getting a flavorful new purpose. The community and members of the media are invited to celebrate the grand opening of A Matter of Taste Kitchen on Monday, June 2 at 2 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the former Pump House location, on Kingman Avenue across from Tower Park. A public open house will follow from 3-6 p.m.
This reimagined space, now a shared commercial kitchen and business incubator, is the result of a unique partnership between Bradley University’s Turner Center for Entrepreneurship and the Village of Peoria Heights. The kitchen will provide local food entrepreneurs with access to a licensed commercial kitchen, storage, and event space to test and refine their food business ideas.
Named in honor of Connie Randall, owner of A Matter of Taste Catering and a longtime business leader in Peoria Heights, the new kitchen aims to continue her legacy by mentoring new culinary talent. Randall’s catering company is the longest-running woman-owned catering business in central Illinois.
Entrepreneurs using the kitchen will benefit from hands-on mentorship, while avoiding the financial burdens that often limit success in the food industry, one of the most challenging sectors for startups.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Village of Peoria Heights for their vision and partnership in making this kitchen a reality. Starting a food business is never easy. There are a lot of upfront costs and risks that can stop great ideas before they even get off the ground,” said Jim Foley, director of the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship. “This space gives aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to take those first steps in a supportive environment, without the overwhelming financial burden that so often comes with launching a business.”
“I think this is one of those uniquely win-win situations for both the Village and Bradley,” said Peoria Heights Mayor Matt Wigginton. “In A Matter of Taste Kitchen, we get a tenant and a pragmatic use for a beautiful, historic building. Bradley gets something that fits well into its mission – a training base and springboard for aspiring culinary entrepreneurs in the heart of the Peoria area’s restaurant row. And this part of central Illinois gets something it really hasn’t had to this extent: a food industry incubator that keeps budding talent local and provides a space for them to hone their skills.
“Meanwhile, we hope this program contributes to and strengthens one of the Heights’ core industries, while reinforcing our reputation as a culinary destination. We are excited and optimistic about this very promising partnership.”
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