[4] Union Kitchen was founded as Black Strap Bakery[5] in 2012 by Jonas Singer and Cullen Gilchrist in Washington, D.C.[6][7][8] It originated from Singer and Gilchrist's search for a kitchen space for their Blind Dog Cafe and Bakery.

[10][11] In February 2013, Washington D.C.'s government established a partnership with Union Kitchen aimed at supporting district residents in initiating culinary careers.

[12] The initiative provided entrepreneurs at Union Kitchen's Northeast Washington facility a platform for starting their businesses with reduced costs and risks.

[17] This collaboration involved a rotation of pop-up cafes operated by Union Kitchen's members.

[19][3][20] In 2016, Jonas Singer stepped down as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Union Kitchen.