MakerFest is Coming July 18-19 to the Old PC Fairgrounds
A mobile food business incubator designed for people to test ideas, serve the community and start something real.
Part mobile kitchen, part launchpad, part real-life learning experience, the UC Food Lab is an economic development learning tool.
It exists to lower barriers to entry for food-based ideas in the Upper Cumberland by providing a professional setup for people to experiment, learn and grow.
And this isn’t all about renting a trailer. It’s about helping more people go from “I always wanted to do this” to “I’m doing it.”
UC Food Lab is a perfect way to get your food dream on the road.
It’s perfect for:
If you’ve got a good idea and need a practical way to test it, this was built for that.
The UC Food Lab can be used for things like:
Basically, if food is part of the plan, there’s a good chance we should talk.
Find the date you'd like to reserve the truck on the calendar below and see if we're available or if someone has already grabbed that date.
Tell us what you want to do, when you want to do it, and where. We’ll look at your concept, timeline, and logistics.
If it’s a good fit, we’ll go over requirements, rental terms, and scheduling and give you all the information you'll need to get things planned.
Once approved, your dates are locked in and you’re ready to roll. We'll train you on any equipment and systems to make things run smoothly.
Depending on the type of use, renters may need to provide concept or menu details, event information, location details, proof of required approvals, licensing, or insurance (if applicable). All users will be required to agree to rental and care guidelines. Requirements may vary depending on the type of rental, but we want to make sure the Food Lab is safe, useful, and set up for success from the start to the end of your event.
Check our weekly schedule and live updates to see where we’re rolling next! Whether it’s a pop-up market, festival, or your local park the UC Food Lab is never far away.
The UC Food Lab helps create a lower-risk starting point for people who want to build something of their own.
It gives food entrepreneurs a chance to test before overinvesting, gives nonprofits another fundraising tool, and helps create more local opportunities for creativity, income, and small business growth.
That matters here in the UC, because good ideas shouldn’t only belong to people who can afford the biggest upfront risk.
The UC Food Lab is also an opportunity for donors, sponsors, and partners to directly support entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community growth in the Upper Cumberland. Support helps us expand access, keep rental opportunities affordable, and create more real-world chances for people to test ideas, build confidence, generate income, and take meaningful steps toward launching something of their own. It’s a practical way to invest in local makers, local business growth, and the kind of hands-on opportunity our region needs more of.
Whether you’re testing a business, planning a fundraiser, or dreaming up your next big food concept, the UC Food Lab is here to help you take the next step.
Ready to try your concept? Whether you’re craving or celebrating, we’re just a click away.