According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, there are 31 million entrepreneurs living in the United States which constitutes 16% of the adult workforce. Of those 31 million entrepreneurs, the top industry to see new small businesses in the United States is the Food and Restaurant sector. Over 500,000 new food startups are launched in the United States annually with that number forecasted to hit 650,000 per year by 2030.

Genesis Block has a mission to advance entrepreneurship in communities block by block. Our focus is to support entrepreneurs with quality training, production spaces and commercialization opportunities for their businesses. With the food industry being such a critical sector for entrepreneurs our aim is to provide them with support from ideation to commercialization.

What is Block Eatz?

Genesis Block developed Block Eatz as a concept to support local food entrepreneurs with the training and infrastructure to strengthen their venture. Genesis Block has partnered with Cape Fear Community College for a groundbreaking partnership to foster innovation and support for aspiring local entrepreneurs in the culinary industry. The collaboration resulted in the establishment of Block Eatz at the McKeithan Center on the north campus of Cape Fear Community College. The food hall incubator provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to test the viability of their restaurant concepts. This incubator is the first of its kind in our region and is an initiative to encourage small business owners and boost economic growth within our community.

What is the mission of Block Eatz?

Block Eatz has a mission to support local food entrepreneurs, from ideation to commercialization with quality training, food production space and brand development.

What is the vision of Block Eatz?

The vision of Block Eatz is to establish a network of food production facilities, food hall incubators, kitchen commissaries, producers and startups committed to delivering quality food experiences.

Where is Block Eatz located?

Block Eatz is located at 4500 Blue Clay Road, Castle Hayne NC on the north campus of Cape Fear Community College

Is Block Eatz open to the public or students/faculty only?

Block Eatz will be open to the public. We welcome everyone to come and experience quality food experiences oered by local food entrepreneurs.

What entrepreneurs does Block Eatz target?

Food caterers, food truck operators, local chefs, product developers. Any entrepreneur that is licensed and in need of a permitted commercial kitchen space. Our food incubator also supports them with quality training, best practices from Health Inspection walks and networking opportunities.

How do I receive more information?

Contact Aariene Hansley Block Eatz Kitchen Coordinator at [email protected]

When does Block Eatz launch?

The official grand opening of Block Eatz will be on September 19 at 2pm at the McKeithan Center on the north campus of Cape Fear Community College.