CULINARY BUSINESS INCUBATOR

Have you ever thought about a food start-up?  Making your own taco sauce? Make customized cakes? Bentos? Catering? Food truck? Vegan food? Mochi? Cookies? The Culinary Business Incubator (CBI) is designed to assist Hawaii entrepreneurs (with a special focus on low-income and the socially-disadvantaged) with a facility, equipment, and resources who are interested in operating or expanding a catering, lunch wagon, bakery, and/or other food service related business. Certified by the State of Hawaii Department of Health, the CBI facility features:

  • 12 commercial kitchens (full, baking, and food prep kitchens)

  • Dry and cold storage options

  • On-site parking spaces

  • Meeting and training rooms

  • Reasonable rates

Located in the Kalihi neighborhood of Honolulu, the resources at CBI are available to entrepreneurs at reasonable hourly rates. Our staff is available to assist clients with applications for temporary or long-term permits, assist with sign-up, scheduling, and use of CBI’s equipment and other resources.

The Culinary Business Incubator is located at 723-C Umi Street, Honolulu, HI 96819.  

Contact Ave A'asa at (808) 851-7000 or email ave@pacificgatewaycenter.org for information about use, rental, scheduling, or for a tour of our facility.

Congratulations to CBI Award-winning entrepreneurs!

Pono’s Potions. Peter Hessler, founder of Pono’s Potions, named HVCA (Hawaii Venture Capital Association) Entrepreneur of 2021!

Artisan Hawaiian syrups rooted in Hawaii

Swiss Inn Salad Dressing, named Hawaii’s Best 2020 by the Star Advertiser

Testimonials

CBI Graduates
Sean Priester & Soul Patrol
Sean Priester & Soul Patrol

A former executive chef at The Top of Waikiki restaurant, Sean pursued his passion for Southern cooking and created Soul Patrol. He first took his cooking style to various farmers markets and later opened up a food truck. Soul Patrol, through the help of CBI, was able to obtain its own kitchen space on Waialae Avenue and later opened a second location on Bishop Street.

Edith Ho & Aunty Nani's Hawaiian Cookies
Edith Ho & Aunty Nani's Hawaiian Cookies

A former Royal Hawaiian Hotel employee, who enjoyed baking so much, Edith decided to pursue a baking business when she retired from the hotel. She has been with CBI for almost 10 years. In the program, she receives support from PGC through connections with community event organizers, farmers markets, and other venues for her business sales.

Aunty Nani's Hawaiian Cookies - Cookie Prep
Aunty Nani's Hawaiian Cookies - Cookie Prep

You can find Aunty Nani’s Hawaiian Cookies at various farmers markets, craft fairs, food expos, and so much more. Edith has established followers who have been amazing in supporting her business.

Kristin Kato & A Cake Life
Kristin Kato & A Cake Life

Kristin was a paralegal by profession. After attending law school and working at a law firm, she felt bored at her job and left. She enjoyed baking and pursued her passion. She signed up for some baking classes offered by a former CBI client (Cake Creations). She took a cake decorating class and was able to start her own business.

There's no life like cake life!
There's no life like cake life!

Kristin has since moved on from her start at CBI. In July 2009, she opened her own award-winning bakeshop, A Cake Life, in Mo‘ili‘ili.

 
“I always wanted to [have my own food business] but didn’t know how to do it. Luckily, I came [to the Culinary Business Incubator] and I still remember Ave was helping me out with all the questions and information. And here I am ever since! Without this place, I would be nothing.”
— G-Town Catering, CBI client since 2007
“Pacific Gateway Center’s Culinary Business Incubator has allowed our micro-business to thrive. The staff at the CBI constantly go out of their way to help our business grow.”
— Keiki Lunchbox, CBI client since 2008