The former Nanaimo Bakery on Bowen Rd. is now serving as a community kitchen for local businesses and groups to base out of. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

commercial grade

Community kitchen offering fast track for Nanaimo businesses & community groups

Dec 27, 2024 | 4:07 PM

NANAIMO — An expansive commercial kitchen is now on offer for those looking to get their start.

Formerly home to the Nanaimo Bakery, a revamped commissary kitchen at the corner of Meredith and Bowen Rd. is helping push multiple restaurants and community groups forward.

Dubbed the ‘Rising Hope Community Kitchen’, and operated by the Island Crisis Care Society, executive director Violet Hayes told NanaimoNewsNOW the commercial-grade facility was underused after the Nanaimo Bakery was shut down, so the idea was had to offer space out.

“They can rent it for a few hours a week or longer, they might want to be there five days a week. They come in and use the facilities, we’re got walk in coolers, freezers and baking equipment. It’s quite an incredible space, so now it’s being used for the good of the community.”

Prep space, large ovens, coolers and freezers are all available to members of the kitchen, which include businesses, non-profits and even some Island Health programming. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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A new pizzeria, as well as a family-run Filipino restaurant both split time on site, as well as more short-term use by community clubs and Island Health programs.

The Society also plans to use the facility to make food for their new daily drop-in warming and cooling centre to open in early January on Victoria Rd.

More groups are welcomed, with plenty of time available and the possibility of the facility running 24 hours a day.

“We’ve had interest from churches who are interested in providing cooking lessons for the people they give food hampers to. They want to be able to encourage them and support them to know how to cook some food healthily and cheaply.”

Society staff in Nanaimo were inspired by colleagues in Victoria, where a similar kitchen setup is being offered.

Hayes said having a facility of this size and quality is a huge step forward for those looking to get started.

“There’s so many small businesses that want to make cupcakes, cookies or something and the process for getting their kitchen up to Island Health standards is something they just can’t do. This way they’re able to start their business, cook out of our kitchen and go for it.”

The City of Nanaimo recently supported the program through a $25,000 grant, money which will go towards a coordinator to operate the business side of the facility.

More details on the kitchen, including how to book time, is available on the Island Crisis Care Society’s website.

The kitchen is fully stocked and can accommodate a number of different groups. (Island Crisis Care Society)

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