1809 Elm Street Application Information 

Issuing Organization: Corporation for Findlay Market
Address: 1809 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Contact Information: Jordon Kuhn, jkuhn@findlaymarket.org, (513) 255-3324
Lease: 15 Month Initial Lease

Introduction

The Corporation for Findlay Market’s Food Innovation Team is seeking applications for leasing a commercial space as part of its Launch Accelerator Program. Our Accelerator Program aims to provide emerging food entrepreneurs with a lowered-risk opportunity to test their storefront concept in a commercially equipped space, with a short-term lease and supported by industry professionals.  

Project Overview

Findlay Launch a food business accelerator with the following goals

  • Provide lowered financial risk opportunities for independent food businesses

  • Provide access to prime storefront locations within a thriving commercial business district for companies to test proof of concept

  • Provide industry expertise and connections from the Food Innovation Team through scheduled advisory meetings

  • Support the development of business and operational systems

  • Advise in the development of residents’ future business pathway

Resident Requirements:

If accepted into this program, you will be required to do the following:

  • Regular attendance at  all scheduled advisory meetings

  • Active participation in program support tasks

  • Setting and monitoring goals and milestones.

  • Adhering to the minimum hours of operation as mentioned in the lease.

    • Month 1: Move-in/set up; no hours requirements

    • Month 2: Minimum of 20 hours/week; required days Friday, Saturday, Sunday

    • Month 3: Minimum of 32 hours/week; required days Friday, Saturday, Sunday

    • Month 4+: Minimum of 48 hours/week; required days Friday Saturday, Sunday

Legal Business Requirements

  • Must have or be able to obtain a Manager Level ServSafe Certification

  • Must have a valid Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)

  • Must be registered with the Ohio Department of Taxation

  • Must be registered to do business and pay sales tax through the Ohio Business Gateway

  • Participants must carry $1,000,000 commercial general liability insurance and list the Corporation for Findlay Market as an additional insured prior to occupancy.

  • If the business has employees—or plans to hire during the program term—the following are also required, and the Food Innovation Team can provide guidance and support to complete these:

    • Registration with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

    • Coverage through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation

Storefront Details

Located at 1809 Elm Street near the center of the Findlay Market District, this approximately 900-square-foot restaurant space offers an opportunity for a small food business looking to establish or grow a brick-and-mortar operation in a highly active neighborhood.

The space features a limited kitchen and production area, making it best suited for a concept with a focused menu and streamlined food preparation needs. A Type I hood system provides the ability to operate commercial cooking equipment, while the small interior dining area can accommodate approximately 6–12 customers.

An outdoor parklet with seating for approximately 12 customers provides additional dining capacity and visibility along Elm Street.

Space Details 

  • Size: Approximately 900 square feet

  • Base Rent: $1,073.75/month

  • CAM Fees: $496.58/month

  • Estimated Total Monthly Occupancy Cost: $1,570.33

  • Estimated Total Annual Occupancy Cost: $18,843.96

Equipment Provided

  • 1-door reach-in freezer (83”x29”x32.5”)

  • Standing Convection Oven (55”x38”x30.5”)

  • Fryer - 2 basket well 

  • 4  Burner Range 

  • Flattop 24in

  • Charbroil Grill 24in

  • 2-door worktop Freezer (36”x36”x29”)

  • Glass door retail cooler (82”x28”x31.5”)

  • 2-door reach-in fridge (82”x54”x33”)

  • Sandwich/salad prep table with refrigerated base (43”x60.5”x30”)

  • 2-door worktop fridge (36”x48”x30”)

  • Wire Storage Shelving

  • 3-compartment sink

  • Prep Sink

  • Miscellaneous Smallwares

Leasing 

Agreement to a 15-month Lease. The 15-month lease includes a 3-month ramp-up period followed by a 12-month fully operational term.

Application Process

Applicants are encouraged to schedule a walkthrough of the space before submitting their proposal. Contact jkuhn@findlaymarket.org to set up a space walkthrough.

If you’re interested in participating in the program, please complete the application form through our CRM. Once your application has been submitted, a member of our team will review your information and follow up with you regarding next steps. Find the link here.

Written Proposal


Business Plan: Please provide a business plan that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Business Concept: A description of your food business, including the concept, type of cuisine, target customer, and what makes the business unique.

  • Operational Plan: An overview of how the business will operate, including proposed hours, staffing structure, food sourcing, production, and other key operational processes.

  • Menu: A sample menu that includes proposed items and pricing.

  • Marketing and Branding Strategy: A plan for attracting and retaining customers, building awareness, and engaging with the surrounding community. Please include existing logos, branding, or other marketing materials, if available.

  • Financial Plan: An overview of the business's current financial position, startup and operating needs, and financial projections for the proposed location.

  • Build Out Budget: A detailed budget for the initial build out of the space, including anticipated costs and identified or proposed sources of funding.

  • Organizational Management: An overview of the ownership and management structure, including biographies, relevant experience, and the roles of key team members. Please highlight any restaurant, food service, hospitality, or other relevant business experience.

In-Person Interview

After submitting your written proposal, you will be asked to come in for an interview to talk about your concept and how it would fit into the Findlay Market district. 

Evaluation Criteria

  • Feasibility of the business concept to work in the Launch Space

  • Experience and qualifications of the proposer

  • Financial viability and projected revenue

  • Alignment with Findlay Market’s mission and values

  • Strong preference for candidates who have completed Findlay Learns “Growing into a Storefront”  Course or equivalent educational opportunity.

Questions?

All questions regarding the application process or the Launch Program can be directed to Jordon Kuhn at jkuhn@findlaymarket.org