Skillette, a cooking class company, is opening a new flagship location in the Georgetown neighborhood, the company announced March 11.

The location on Prospect Street will have a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, and will offer an array of classes from introductory to master. The Washington, D.C.-based culinary school, which currently only has a location in Union Market, aims to reach students at Georgetown University via its new storefront.

Kelly Singer, Skillette’s founder, said she hopes to connect Skillette with students and student groups.

“Students are absolutely a meaningful part of the community we hope to serve, though not the only one,” Singer wrote to The Hoya.

“That said, we do see a real opportunity to engage Georgetown students through specific offerings, whether that is foundational technique classes, shorter workshops, or collaborations with student organizations,” Singer added. “We want students to feel that Skillette is a place they can grow into over time.”

Singer said the diversity and community within the Georgetown neighborhood make it a beneficial location for Skillette.

“For the neighborhood, Skillette is meant to feel like a home, a place where people come not just to cook, but to spend time, to learn something meaningful, and to connect over a shared table,” Singer wrote. “We are also excited to play a role in elevating Mid Atlantic cuisine, which we see as having a real moment. Georgetown sits at the center of that, shaped by an incredible community of restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops offering artisan pantry goods. There is a deep appreciation here for quality and provenance.”

Sofia Gershanik (CAS ’27), a student interested in cooking, said Skillete will likely be successful in the neighborhood.

“Georgetown is known for being trendy and upscale, and new restaurants open all the time in the area,” Gershanik wrote to The Hoya. “Georgetown students are, on average, kind of big spenders, so it wouldn’t surprise me if lots of students do go and try new restaurants when they open.”

Jamison Celio (SFS ’28), who attends cooking classes in other parts of D.C., said new storefronts like these encourage students to explore off campus.

“New restaurants are always interesting for students at Georgetown, especially when they are within walking distance of campus,” Celio wrote to The Hoya. “I believe one issue at Georgetown is that students don’t spend enough time off campus, so any new establishments that encourage even just a walk into Georgetown are a good thing.”

Celio said cooking classes offer a unique, hands-on approach to developing culinary skills. 

“I would absolutely be interested in a class from Skillette,” Celio wrote. “I’ve taken a couple of cooking classes elsewhere, and they’re usually great places to meet people and bond over whatever you’re making.”

Singer said the price of each class can be attributed to the high-quality equipment and instruction the company utilizes for its courses.

“Our classes are designed to be immersive, small format and highly instructional, with ingredients, equipment and a level of teaching that reflects professional culinary training,” Singer wrote. “That naturally places them at a higher price point.”

According to Skillette’s website, most classes, which include all necessary materials and ingredients, are priced around $250.

Gershanik said the price may prevent students from attending classes.

“It’s Georgetown pricing, which doesn’t surprise me, but I doubt most students would spend that much of their own money on a cooking class,” Gershanik wrote.

Celio said the price is restrictive but suggested student groups look into collaboration opportunities.

“The price would definitely create a barrier for Georgetown students, as many students do not have $250 to spare for such a short event,” Celio wrote. “It would be interesting if on-campus organizations could reach out to Skillette to have cheaper events for students, which would definitely provide greater incentive.”

Singer said she is hopeful to create connections with university organizations.

“At the same time, we are very interested in creating access points for students,” Singer wrote. “This could include select student priced offerings, partnerships with Georgetown organizations, or scholarship style seats in certain classes. Our goal is to balance maintaining a high level of quality while still creating ways for students who are genuinely interested to participate.”