The Kitchen Studio by Chef Red Beard has officially reopened its doors on Chippewa. Owned and operated by Jeremy VanAntwerp, the private dining, meal prep, catering, and pop-up event business – formerly located at The Market Arcade – will now be front and center at 52 W. Chippewa.
VanAntwerp told me that the primary reason for the move was to capitalize on the additional space, while upgrading the kitchen. Now he and his fiancée Kelly, who runs more of the business side of the operation, have access to three times the amount of space, as well as an ideal professional kitchen layout. And while the bones of The Kitchen Studio format will remain the same, the additional breathing room and enhanced amenities will allow VanAntwerp the ability to further capitalize on his already proven formula.
VanAntwerp, who is self taught, began his culinary career after graduating from Niagara University with a degree in hospitality management. From there he working at an Irish pub in Lewiston before accepting a job as a line cook at Water Street Landing. Then it was off to the Youngstown Yacht Club, Butterwood Sweet & Savory, and Brioso. He ran Webster’s Bistro & Bar for three years, which is when he was introduced to the private dining side of the industry, with Webster’s Kitchen. That’s when he realized the true potential of private dining gigs. Eventually he made his way to Wegmans, where he ran their pub. That’s also where he met Kelly. From there, the winds of change began to blow.
Establishing The Kitchen Studio by Chef Red Beard at The Market Arcade allowed VanAntwerp to formulate his own takes on private dining as proof of concept. Being situated inside the historic building, with access to the central glass-covered pedestrian walkway for pop-up dining purposes was a big benefit to the business model. It’s that same “proven” model that he is now establishing on Chippewa, in another historic building setting – The Calumet, in the former Mighty Taco/b-Side location.
“The Market Arcade helped sell the rustic elegance of our style of service,” VanAntwerp told me. “Therefore, the move to Chippewa made sense. It’s still a historic building. I’m in a space that’s three times the size, with a true proper kitchen. What we were able to accomplish before, with not a lot to work with… just goes to show what we can accomplish. Now, to be able to come to Chippewa and do what we’ve been doing all along, but in a better space that’s more suited to the business model? It’s everything that we wanted. We’re simply transplanting the concept and evolving the space.”
While providing expertly curated private dinners in a fabulous setting is the crux of the business, VanAntwerp also offers meal prep services to clients, with local pickup or delivery options. Then there are the pop-up events for birthdays, graduations, bridal showers, etc. Plus, they offer off site catering and farm-to-table collaborations. Eventually, they would like to add a monthly dinner series.
As for the idea of being situated on Chippewa, VanAntwerp told me that neighboring business owners have been walking over to welcome him to the street. He mentioned that he was not exactly sure what to expect upon arrival, but that he immediately felt at home.
“We’ve always been a word-of-mouth business,” he said. “I feel like we’re in a good spot. There’s AC, with an amazing window presence… it’s incredible exposure when we’re having a dinner party. There are five tables along the back with seating for seating between 20 and 30 people. The front table seats 10. We can do a brunch for 40. We’re testing it all out as we go. We have also applied for our beer and wine license. At this point, it’s still like a soft opening until we’re running on all cylinders. We have a lot of repeat business, with plenty of referrals. We’re already busy at this location. Chippewa is the busiest street in the city. The bodies… the traffic… it feels like a real city over here. This is definitely the right move for us.”
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