About The Flavor Lab Culinary Collective
Learn about Rochester's premier shared commercial kitchen community and the team behind it.
Our Story
From Necessity to Community
When we started our catering company, finding an affordable commissary kitchen in the Rochester area proved nearly impossible. The few options available were prohibitively expensive, making it clear we needed to open our own facility. After establishing our kitchen in Rochester, we realized we had an opportunity to solve the same problem for other food entrepreneurs. We opened The Flavor Lab Culinary Collective to provide the affordable, accessible commercial kitchen space we wished we'd had when starting out. Your success truly is our success.
Our Mission
Empowering Food Entrepreneurs
We support food entrepreneurs by providing professional kitchen space, guidance, and community. From startup food trucks to established artisan producers, we offer the tools, resources, and expertise needed to launch and grow successful food businesses in an affordable, collaborative environment.
Our Facilities
Two Kitchens, Endless Possibilities
Our 500 square foot Test Kitchen offers versatile equipment perfect for small-batch production, recipe development, and specialty cooking with features like a char grill, smoker, and dual convection ovens. Our 1,250 square foot Prep Kitchen specializes in high-volume production and baking operations, featuring dual convection ovens, industrial mixers, and dedicated packaging areas. Together, these spaces provide comprehensive solutions for food businesses at every stage.
Owners Lisa and Chef Mark Bidinger
Meet the Team
The People Behind Your Success
Lisa - CEO
Lisa leads our team with over 10 years of experience in catering and kitchen rentals, plus 20+ years as a corporate project manager. She brings the drive, knowledge, and tenacity needed to help food businesses succeed. Lisa teaches classes, handles networking, and personally consults with new makers to guide their journey.
Mark - COO
Mark operates behind the scenes as our problem solver and tech expert. Beyond managing catering operations, he designs websites for The Flavor Lab and helps makers launch and update their online presence. His business and product consulting expertise helps entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of food business development.
Sonsia - Administrator
Our daughter Sonsia serves as the first point of contact for both the Collective and Catering operations. She guides new members through the getting-started process and handles day-to-day administrative needs with friendly, knowledgeable support.
Our Community
Diverse Makers, Shared Success
Our kitchen community spans the full spectrum of food entrepreneurship. From heritage chefs preserving traditional recipes to innovative coffee roasters creating new experiences, our makers include connfectioners, charcuterists, pastry chefs, spice alchemists, tea blenders, and wellness-focused producers. Each brings unique expertise while benefiting from our shared professional space and collaborative environment.