About Us: Best Food Forward Bloomington

Best Food Forward Bloomington is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization developing The 812 — a vertically integrated Hospitality & Creative Exchange for Southern Indiana.

We believe hospitality is more than food service. It is a gateway to entrepreneurship, workforce development, creative activation, and community connection. Our mission is to create infrastructure where culinary training, business incubation, arts and culture, and public events operate together — not in silos, but in one continuously activated environment.

Why We Started

After more than 35 years working across the hospitality industry — from kitchens to operations to technology — our founder saw the same challenge again and again: talent exists, creativity exists, and entrepreneurial ambition exists, but access, coordination, and infrastructure often do not.

Talent exists. Creativity exists. Entrepreneurial ambition exists.

• But access, coordination, and infrastructure do not.
• Culinary education programs operate separately from entrepreneurship training.
• Artists and creative organizations operate separately from hospitality spaces.
• Small food businesses struggle to test ideas without high capital risk.
• Communities lack shared environments where all of this can intersect.

Best Food Forward was created to bridge those gaps.

The Living Classroom

We are developing The 812 — a multi-level Living Classroom designed to integrate:

• Food entrepreneurship and launchpad concepts • Culinary training and workforce development • Visual arts activation and public art integration • Event and gathering spaces • Business incubation and mentorship

The model is simple but powerful:

The model is simple but powerful: education, activation, and enterprise operate simultaneously within the same structure. The building itself becomes a teaching tool — a place where hospitality, creativity, and entrepreneurship are visible and active every day.

Our Ecosystem Approach

Best Food Forward does not aim to replace existing organizations.

We aim to strengthen the ecosystem.

We envision collaboration with regional partners including:

• Arts and cultural organizations • Workforce development programs • Hospitality employers • Entrepreneurship support networks • Educational institutions

Best Food Forward does not aim to replace existing organizations. We aim to strengthen the ecosystem by creating connective infrastructure — a place where programs can operate, intersect, and expand.

Where We Are Today

Best Food Forward Bloomington has secured 501(c)(3) status and is actively developing partnerships, concept materials, and strategic relationships to bring The 812 to life.

We are currently in the partnership-building and development phase — shaping the framework, relationships, and momentum needed to support long-term impact.

The Vision

Our long-term goal is to create a sustainable Hospitality & Creative Exchange that serves as:

• A launchpad for new businesses • A bridge between education and employment • A platform for regional artists • A gathering place for the broader community

Hospitality brings people together. Creativity gives it meaning. Entrepreneurship gives it momentum.

Best Food Forward exists at that intersection.

Our Team

We're building a local team, with a big focus on growing a sustainable nonprofit and creating a healthy, supportive place to do incredible work.

Founded by John Skolak, Best Food Forward Bloomington is guided by more than 35 years of experience across hospitality operations, consulting, sales, and technology. John launched the organization to help build a more connected, practical, and community-centered model for opportunity in Southern Indiana.

John Skolak

Founder / CEO