A new commercial kitchen designed for food-based startups is now open at the Pantheon Business and Innovation Theatre.

The organization held a ribbon cutting Tuesday for the health department-permitted space, which can be rented by both members and non-members who need a licensed facility to prepare and package products.

Pantheon officials say the project was developed in partnership with the Knox County Health Department. In addition to kitchen access, users will be able to connect with business advising and future training opportunities.

Pantheon Director of Programming and Development Kimberly Fourman said the goal is to help generate new locally owned food businesses in downtown Vincennes.

“We are needing new food entrepreneurs. We’ve lost a couple of our food businesses here on Main Street. Specifically, we need someone who wants to take up that torch — who’s the next Or Chicago, who’s the next Vincennes Brewing Company, who’s the next Jenna’s Bakehouse — to be able to come in and create a new business,” Fourman said.

Entrepreneurs interested in reserving the space can do so through the Pantheon’s website or by contacting the organization directly.