Beyond Individual Success: Embracing Collaboration
The CSQ Collective Newsletter, Edition #3, July 2025
The Heart of Our Community: Collaboration Over Competition
When we designed our survey, we included a question that went beyond kitchen needs and equipment requests. We wanted to know if our food entrepreneurs were interested in something deeper – actual collaboration with their fellow community members.
The question was straightforward: "Would you be interested in participating in any of these events as an additional revenue stream for your business, or for a rental discount?"
What we discovered wasn't just encouraging – it was inspiring.
A Community That Wants to Give Back
58% expressed interest in collaborative dinner events – imagine the creative possibilities when passionate food entrepreneurs combine their specialties for unique dining experiences.
42% are eager to teach culinary classes – these aren't just business owners looking to make money, they're craftspeople who want to share their knowledge and skills with others.
36% offered to provide kitchen management assistance – experienced entrepreneurs willing to help newcomers navigate the complexities of commercial food preparation.
31% volunteered for peer mentoring – seasoned business owners ready to guide others through the challenges they've already overcome.
Looking Forward
As we continue our search for the perfect location, we're not just looking for a building that can house commercial kitchens. We're looking for a space that can hold all of this collaborative energy, all of this willingness to support each other, all of this community spirit. Because that's what we're really building – not just a shared kitchen, but a shared future.
The Culinary Square survey continues to reveal insights about Anne Arundel County's food entrepreneur community. Stay tuned for more findings that are shaping how we design our future facility.
We are Proud Sponsors of a Taste of Arundel Grown!
Get your tickets today for an evening of local flavors and community connection! The Culinary Square is proud to be a Silver Sponsor of A Taste of Arundel Grown, taking place on August 6, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Homestead Gardens (745 W Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD 21035).
This vibrant event celebrates the best of local food and farming, bringing together our community to savor the incredible flavors grown right here in Arundel. Come hungry and ready to discover amazing local producers, artisans, and the passionate people behind our region's local food scene.
We Did Our Homework - Now We Need Your Help
7 weeks of pounding the pavement. 50+ food entrepreneurs surveyed. $2 million in collective annual sales validated. Our hunch about Anne Arundel County's need for a shared commercial kitchen wasn't just right – the data shows we were thinking too small. This community is more robust and ready than we imagined.
Now We Need Your Network
Here's where we need the power of professional networks. We've done the market research. We've validated the need. We've built the community support. Now we need to find our forever home.
What we're looking for:
7,500-10,000 sq ft building for sale in central Anne Arundel County
Single-level flex space
Commercial or industrial zoning
Ideally*, ready for renovation into a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen
How you can help:
Commercial real estate leads – Know of a property that fits our criteria?
Financial consulting – Experienced in commercial property acquisition or development financing?
Professional connections – Know someone who knows someone?
The Bigger Picture
This isn't just about building a kitchen. We're creating economic infrastructure that will support dozens of food businesses, create jobs, and strengthen Anne Arundel County's local food ecosystem. The entrepreneurs we surveyed are already generating $2 million annually – imagine what they could do with proper infrastructure support.
We've done our homework. We've validated the need. We've built the community. Now we need the right building and the right partners to make it happen.
Ready to help us find our home?
📞 410.205.9686
