Clinton, Iowa – Clinton Culinary, the restaurant incubator located inside the Wilson Lofts,
announces a temporary closure from April 8 to April 12, 2024, for extensive improvements and
expansion efforts. This decision aims to support the growth of culinary entrepreneurs in the region.
The upcoming closure will facilitate a reconfiguration of the space, geared towards creating a more
efficient environment for the incubator tenants. The improvements will enable Economic Growth
Corporation, ultimate owners of the incubators, to better fulfill its mission of nurturing small
businesses and contributing to the economic development of the community.
Situated in the historic Wilson Building at 217 5th Avenue South, Clinton Culinary serves as a vital
hub for emerging culinary talents. Housed within incubator is Soi 5 Thai, a new Thai cuisine
establishment that opened in December 2023. As part of the temporary closure, Soi 5 Thai will also
be temporarily closed during this time.
Feedback received from Soi 5 Thai has been instrumental in identifying specific areas for
improvement that extended beyond the initial scope of construction. These insights were crucial in
refining operations and attracting additional culinary options to enrich the culinary landscape of
the Clinton region.
“We are committed to supporting the aspirations of startup businesses,” stated Brian Hollenback,
President/CEO of Economic Growth Corporation. “The temporary closure presents an opportunity
for us to implement valuable upgrades that will pave the way for future growth and success.”
During the closure period, patrons can stay tuned for updates on Clinton Culinary’s social media
channels and website. Reopening is expected on Monday, April 15.
About the Incubators:
After securing the $15.6 million needed to redevelop 33 apartments within the Wilson Lofts,
GROWTH made a bold and brave decision to embark on a secondary development effort totaling $1
million by adding business incubators on the ground floor. The inclusion of incubators was not
initially part of the original development plan for the Wilson Lofts; rather, it was a strategic
addition made afterward to catalyze both housing and business opportunities in Clinton. This bold decision
underscores GROWTH’s commitment to nurturing a dynamic and diverse community while
maximizing the potential of the Wilson Lofts redevelopment. Had GROWTH not undertaken this
secondary development and investment of $1 million, the ground floor would have remained
vacant and marketed for lease, missing out on the opportunity to stimulate economic activity and
community growth. GROWTH’s brave decision to proceed with the incubator development has
already yielded positive outcomes, welcoming two new businesses into Clinton: Soi 5 Thai and
GEOME + ph.yla Store. The improvements at Clinton Culinary will enhance the local restaurant
scene further once the improvements are completed.
Retail and restaurant entrepreneurs can try out their business ideas with low risk and high flexibility.
The incubators offer flexible leases with WIFI and utilities included, helping entrepreneurs learn
while minimizing financial risks and encouraging growth and innovation. Sponsorship opportunities
are available for those interested in supporting the growth and development of small businesses
through the incubators: https://www.wilson-lofts.com/sponsor-our-business-incubators.html.
About Clinton Culinary:
Clinton Culinary is a dynamic restaurant incubator located in the Wilson Lofts at 217 5th Avenue
South. Dedicated to fostering culinary innovation and economic growth, the incubator provides
aspiring food entrepreneurs with a supportive environment to launch and develop their businesses.
Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, Clinton Culinary aims to enrich the
local dining scene and create opportunities for sustainable success.
The objective is for the restaurants being incubated to eventually expand into larger establishments
with full staffing, while new restaurant ventures emerge within the incubator space. Typically, these
initial restaurants will have small staffs, often consisting of the founders themselves. However, the
long-term employment impact is significant, as the aim is to witness bakeries, restaurants, and
catering businesses outgrow the space and necessitate larger workforces. This initiative serves as a
job creator, with the resulting increase in employment cascading through our local economy,
bolstering its overall strength. https://www.wilson-lofts.com/clinton-culinary1.html
About Makers on 5th
In addition to Clinton Culinary, the Wilson Lofts also accommodate Makers on 5th, a retail
incubator situated adjacent to it at 217 5th Avenue South. The mission of Makers on 5th mirrors that
of Clinton Culinary: providing a platform for established business owners with innovative ideas or
aspiring entrepreneurs to test their concepts in a low-risk environment before fully launching their
ventures. These incubators offer a practical business education within a supportive framework,
providing a safety net for participants. GEOME + Ph.yla Store, a high-end jewelry and plant store,
curated by jewelry designer and plant enthusiast, a https://www.wilson-lofts.com/clintonculinary1.html.
Learn more at https://www.wilson-lofts.com/ and follow-on Facebook: @Wilson Lofts-Clinton, IA;
@ClintonCulinary; and @Makerson5th.
Equal Opportunity Providers.
Media Contact:
Beth Payne, Senior Vice President
Economic Growth Corporation
bpayne@growthcorp.org
(309) 794-6711 (office)
(309) 781-8300 (cell)
