LOUISVILLE, KY – In January 2017, Jay’s 120, a new fast casual dining concept which will be housed in the Chef Space Kitchen Incubator, will open to the public. This concept will allow current and future Chef Space members to test their fast-casual dining concepts without the risk of long term leases and high equipment costs.
“We’re providing our members with an opportunity to serve food, run a restaurant, and give back to the community without the risk,” said Chris Lavenson, President at Chef Space. “By providing them with all of the resources, Chef Space members can focus on crafting the best experience for their customers and developing efficient economic and business models.”
Jay’s 120, honorably named after the well-known Jay’s Restaurant which formerly sat at 1812 W. Muhammad, will challenge Chef Space members over the course of 120 days to develop, implement, and polish their restaurant concept. With state-of-the-art service equipment and a fully stocked dining room, members will be able to practice in a professional grade dining hall that will mimic the standard for high quality service and retail.
“We are not just in the business of creating restaurants, we want to mold entrepreneurs into well-rounded business owners,” said Lavenson. “Jay’s 120 challenges entrepreneurs to think critically and view the art of business management as a complex organism with many moving parts.”
Chef Space opened 14 months ago, and in that time has expanded from 15 members to 40+ and has seen 30+ entrepreneurs servicing and expanding into Louisville markets. Daddy Rich’s, the first company to join the Jay’s 120 program, has seen quick success and is excited to expand through this unique opportunity.
“It’s a great opportunity for us,” said Rodrick Martin, part owner of Daddy Rich’s. “With Jay’s 120, we are going to be able to move out into the community with confidence, knowing that we’ve run our very own restaurant.”
Daddy Rich’s will be serving food out of Jay’s 120 Tuesday-Sunday from 11 AM-7 PM.
Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Growth Accelerator program, Jay’s 120 is another step for Chef Space as they continue to provide outstanding micro-business opportunities to the people of West Louisville. As part of Community Ventures’ network of statewide resources, Chef Space is dedicated to extending the mission of the organization by helping Kentuckians achieve economic success and financial stability.
Chef Space is located at 1812 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. Louisville, KY, 40203.
| Photo | Title |
 |