Top and aspiring chefs and food artists from across the ArkLaTex have been flocking to the new Cohab in the Red River District under the Texas Street Bridge recently to get a look at what they hope will be their businesses’ new home.

The half empty kitchen is far from complete, but creative minds see what it can be, a fully functional, health code compliant, shared commercial kitchen in downtown Shreveport. Now all Cohab needs is a little help to get it running, and they’re getting it in a less than traditional way through Kickstarter.

"Shared kitchen space is something people in the Shreveport-Bossier area have been looking for and asking us about for years," said Cohab’s Executive Director John Grindley. "We thought what better way to raise the funds than by working with the community around us that has been so helpful and supportive every step of the way."

Cohab staff launched the Kickstarter campaign today, Thursday July 25rth, leaving Cohab just 26 days to raise their total or lose it all per the crowdfunding site’s all or nothing policy.

"Of course it’s going to be in the back of your mind that if we don’t make it to $20,000 we don’t get anything, but we’re really confident. There has been so much interest in this kitchen, and we feel like the support is already there to make this a success," said Michael O’Boyle, Cohab’s kitchen specialist.

The Kickstarter campaign funding will be used to purchase commercial stoves and convection ovens, fryers, and mixers. It will also help Cohab provide other amenities for kitchen members including dry, cold, and equipment storage, as well as plates, utensils, and serving equipment for meals hosted in the space.

Rewards will be given to all contributors and range from a thank you on Facebook to a private catered event at the new Cohab facility for up to 25 people. Other prizes include mugs, t-shirts, Gulf Pig Underground Dinner Club tickets, and multi-month Cohab memberships.

Anyone willing to give or who would just like to learn more about the project is urged to visit Cohab's kickstarter campaign website.  You can also visit Cohab's profile page.

Giving must total $20,000 by August 20th in order for the Cohab Kitchen to receive any of the funding.

"Every little bit helps." Grindley adds.

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