Restaurant Incubator

 
Restaurant Incubator at the Commerce Center

Are you ready to turn your food concept into a real restaurant—without the heavy overhead or long-term lease? The Commerce Center Restaurant Incubator is looking for three bold, creative restaurantpreneurs to join our next cohort.

 
What’s Included

  • Private Kitchen – Your own dedicated kitchen space, no sharing or scheduling conflicts.
  • Shared Dining Area – A modern, flexible dining space ready for guests.
  • Built-in Customer Base – Workers in the building and easy access from downtown South Bend.
  • Convenient Parking – 100+ parking spots for customers.

 
Program Timeline

  • Program Duration: 2 Years

You’ll use the first 6 months to test your concept and build buzz, followed by 12 months of solid operation and revenue growth. The final 6 months are designed for finding and building out your permanent location. It’s a full launchpad—not just a pop-up.

 
Low Risk, High Reward

  • Month-to-Month Lease: $250/month + 10% of gross sales
  • Opt Out Anytime – No long-term lease or penalties

This is a chance to grow with minimal risk and maximum support.

 
Successful Alumni

  • Whistle Stop Ice Cream – Now serving scoops by Howard Park
  • The Grateful Pie Company – A beloved feature at Fernwood Botanical Garden
  • Ingram’s Small Batch Bakery – Thriving in Elkhart
  • Boardgasm – Building out a new location

Will your name be next?

 

How to Apply

Before submitting, please call us at 574-500-2505.

Then send the following to info@MatthewsLLC.com:

  • Proof of food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe)
  • A ready-to-launch concept: menu, pricing, logo
  • Resume of the applicant
  • Consent to a credit and criminal history check

Have questions? Call David at 574-500-2520.

Selection Criteria

Our goal is to launch winners. Here’s how applications will be scored:

  1. Marketing Reach – Who knows you, and who will show up? Think social media, existing sales, and word-of-mouth potential.
  2. Market Size – Is your niche small but mighty? Or broadly appealing? We’re looking for ideas with real demand.
  3. Food Quality – Does your food deliver a “wow” moment? We’re after buzz-worthy dishes.
  4. Marketing Plan – Who’s creating your content? How will you promote your concept? Show us your budget and strategy.
  5. Financial Strength – Do you have the funds to buy ingredients, rent or purchase equipment, and pay the initial deposit?


Ready to take your first step into restaurant ownership?
Apply today. Grow your dream. Launch your future.