Food Lab

In 2014, Casey Easton stepped into a then vacant 1825 Pearl Street and saw her vision of a recreational cooking school come to life. With limited resources and a small business plan, a spot on Pearl Street wasn’t exactly in the cards, but as Casey notes, “I just had a moment - this is it…this is where it belongs. I didn’t feel it anywhere else. I walked in, and I just knew.” Fast forward to December of 2015, Food Lab opened its doors to the community. 

Casey’s culinary career began in 1999, and from her time spent catering small gigs here and there, to her days as a private chef, one thing always remained constant: the communal curiosity that was built around the kitchen. When Casey cooked, her kitchen was rarely empty, “Everyone was always in the kitchen with me asking questions, wanting to learn and to connect with food.” Inspired by these frequent experiences, Casey realized that the culinary field was missing a playful, yet educational space for those wanting to learn how to cook, expand their knowledge in food and everything in between. In fact, this recreational cooking school concept went against everything Casey had observed within the food industry. “In restaurants or while watching your favorite cooking shows, you may notice that chefs are either placed on a pedestal or mysteriously hidden behind a wall - there is little to no connection between chefs and guests. We are here to teach you in a less intimidating space.” 

Food Lab is not your typical industrial-looking culinary school. Their open concept kitchen and grand dinner table invites guests to learn, ask questions, create and most of all, have fun. “We like to say that we make you the hero in the kitchen,” Casey says with a smile. From day one, Food Lab classes have remained accessible to an array of audiences ranging in age, food preferences and culinary expertise. Class menus feature unique plant-based, vegan and international dishes with flavors drawn from the Mediterranean, Spain, Morocco, India, Italy and more. Between kids’ cooking classes and seasonal camps, date night experiences and team bonding workshops, the space is intended for gathering. 

Casey’s love for downtown Boulder runs deep through the business community. “We have something really special on Pearl Street’s East End, and we are so lucky to have it,” Casey says. Recently, accepting a role as a Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District board member, and volunteering for downtown’s pilot Block Captain Program, Casey is determined to keep the downtown district special - with an emphasis on encouraging locals to support downtown. “Once I get my mind set to something…that’s it - I am doing it!” Beyond her impact on downtown’s business community, Casey continues her work in growing her small business, as well as sharing her expertise with other recreational culinary concepts across the state. In fact, her second Food Lab location opens in 2025 in Denver, coincidentally on South Pearl Street!

Whether you're looking to sharpen your culinary skills, enjoy a fun date night or plan a unique team bonding event, Casey invites you to step into Food Lab’s welcoming kitchen. Stop by 1825 Pearl Street and see why Food Lab is more than just a cooking school—it’s a space for community, creativity and fun!