By james art 
From cooking classes for kids and adults to helping local chefs get started, this local Lubbock business continues to make an impact on the community.
Sherry Bolton Clark opened The Culinary Co-Op, 5044 Frankford Ave. #900, in June 2021 The business rents kitchen space to several culinary businesses, hosts cooking classes and has a partnership with three Lubbock ISD schools.
“A lot of people can’t afford that initial cost of a physical store or kitchen, so a lot of them tend to work out of their home,” Sherry Bolton Clark said. “I wanted to develop something like a safe space for people to come and express their culinary vision here, so that’s what I did.”
The Culinary Co-Op offers the opportunity to express yourself in several ways. Food-based businesses, such as food trucks, can rent kitchen space. My Portable Pantry, a takeout and baking service, and Coleman Catering are among the co-op’s tenants. All kitchen tenants still go through the city’s permitting process and receive food handling certifications as if they were opening a storefront.
“We would love to invite people who are looking to get into the culinary industry or are just starting out,” Sherry Bolton Clark said. “When someone comes in and wants to be part of the Culinary Network, we do everything we can to make sure that happens for them and that they succeed.”
Part of this mentorship explains how to create menus, food costs, and the ability to collaborate with fellow chefs.
“We also have experienced people who have been here for a while and they learn new tricks of the trade that they didn’t know before to help them be more efficient in what they cook,” Sherry Bolton Clark said. “The collaboration that happens and everyone helping each other is the root of why we started. That’s why I came up with this concept.”
There is space for classes in the front of the building. In the past, chefs have taught groups how to prepare a variety of dishes and drinks, including sushi, lasagna and mixology.
“It gives (chefs) an opportunity to have extra income,” Sherry Bolton Clark said. “In the past we’ve done Asian dumplings, tapas, different types of focaccia bread, cake decorating classes.”
Sherry Bolton Clark has posted a schedule of classes through March. These upcoming classes include:
- Pasta Basics from 6:30-8:30 p.m. January 31. People will learn how to make semolina pasta, spaghetti sauce and strawberry millefoglie. Cost: $65 per person.
- Birria Tacos with consumption from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. February 1. People will learn the process of making birria tacos, along with how to make horchata and assemble a tres leches cake with fruit. Cost: $65 per person.
- Cookie Exchange from 6:30-8:30 p.m. February 22. People are invited to bring their favorite cookie recipe and baking ingredients while meeting new people and sharing recipes. There will be a milk bar. Cost: $25 per person.
- Eggrolls from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on February 28. People will learn how to make egg roll fillings and how to wrap egg roll wrappers, as well as how to make sweet and sour sauce. Dessert will be sweet, sticky coconut rice with fresh sliced mango and there will be Thai tea. Cost: $65 per person.
- Cake Decorating 101 1pm to 1pm March 1st. Students will learn how to assemble a two-layer 6-inch cake and ice it using the techniques taught in class. If time permits, people can also learn how to make basic flowers and combine colors. Cost: $50 per person.
- Asian Dumplings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 7. People will learn how to make simple fillings and different ways to make dumplings. Students will also learn how to make Asian Straw, Black Rice Pudding with Coconut Milk and Fresh Mango and Thai Coffee. Cost: $65 per person.
- Tapas from 2-4 p.m. March 8. Students will learn how to make three types of tapas (appetizers), putting together different ingredients, flavor profiles and honey sopapillas. Cost: $50 per person.
- Macaron Madness from 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 21. People will learn to make macarons, fruit filling and chocolate ganache. Cost: $50 per person.
- Cookie Exchange from 6:30-10:30 p.m. on March 28. People are invited to bring their favorite cookie recipes and baking ingredients while meeting new people and sharing recipes. There will be a milk bar. Cost: $25 per person.
- Sausage Basics from 2:00 p.m. People will learn how to combine meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables and make two different dips. Board and supplies included. March 29. Cost: $75 per person.
The Co-Op also hosts cooking classes for private groups.
In September 2024 The Culinary Co-Op has started a partnership with Lubbock ISD to teach the cooking program to kids after school Monday through Thursday. The co-op teaches classes for students at OL Slaton Middle School, Priority Intervention Academy and Dupre High School.
“At the end of the day, the kids go home with a meal that they made,” Sherry Bolton Clark said. “It gives them an opportunity to learn and have nutritious food to take home.”
For the OL Slaton students, who are the Co-Op’s youngest group, this is a progression class. It started with coming up with a restaurant concept, a menu and how to cook the menu items.
“We’re hoping that for the grand finale we’ll be able to simulate a restaurant where each contestant can play a different role in the restaurant,” Sherry Bolton Clark said.
People can keep up with the business at culinaryco-op.com and Facebook. Followers will be able to shop at pop-ups and pre-order cakes such as the king cake made by Sherry Bolton Clark.
“It’s kind of a pop-up deal,” Sherry Bolton Clark said. “When I feel like eating tiramisu, I’ll make 20 more and post it, and then people come and get it.”
Previous pop-ups have included boiled seafood, tiramisu and her signature sandwich: The Porky Pork BLT. It has pork, bacon, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, avocado and bacon jam.
Sherry Bolton Clark also owns Sweet Celebrations, a custom bakery based at the Co-Op. Her business catered corporate marquees at Texas Tech tailgates.
Alana Edgin writes about business for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip? Contact her by email at [email protected].