Mess Hall, in collaboration with Union Market and restaurateur Ris Lacoste, just launched the 2nd incarnation of Launch Pad – a contest to identify and launch a promising new culinary concept at DC’s Union Market.
On June 10, 5 finalists will be selected to pitch their innovative culinary project to a panel of judges, including Patrick O’Connell of The Inn at Little Washington, Aaron Silverman of Rose’s Luxury and Drew Nieporent of Myriad Restaurant Group, to name a few. Contestants will also have access to a star-studded board of advisors – from Spike Mendelsohn to the Hilton Brothers – offering consultations and strategies throughout the competition.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can now register for this one-of-a-kind challenge, open to applicants until May 11. This year’s winner will be announced on July 12 at Dock 5, joining the ranks of the 2014 Launch Pad champ, Mason Dixie Biscuit Co., and taking over a space inside Union Market for 6-12 months.
KEY DATES:
- April 16th – Contest Launches
- May 11th – Registration Deadline
- June 10th – Finalists Announced
- July 12th – Finalists Present at the Grand Finale to be held at Union Market’s Dock5
WHO IS INVOLVED
The Judges:
- Al Goldberg – Founder, Mess Hall
- David Hall – Investor, Revolution
- Ris Lacoste – Chef / Owner, RIS
- Drew Nieporent – Restaurateur, Myriad Restaurant Group
- Patrick O’Connell – Chef / Owner, The Inn at Little Washington
- Aaron Silverman – Chef / Owner, Rose’s Luxury
The Advisors:
- Richie Brandenburg – Directory of Culinary Strategy, Edens
- Terrell Danley – Chef, DC Central Kitchen
- Eric and Ian Hilton – Restaurateurs
- Kathy Hollinger – President and CEO, Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington !
- Eric Kessler – Founder / Managing Director, Arabella Advisors
- Mike Lenard – Owner, TaKorean, Former Head of the Food Truck Association
- Winston Lord – Co-Founder, Venga
- Spike Mendelsohn – Good Stuff Eatery, DC Food Policy Council Chair
- Nick Stefanelli – Chef / Owner, Masseria
- Mark Toigo – Grower