The Fishers Test Kitchen, launched in February 2020 as an incubator space for aspiring chefs, will soon give way to a new restaurant concept led by a familiar local name.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Fishers Redevelopment Commission voted to terminate the Test Kitchen’s lease in the Fishers District, which had been scheduled to run through November 2026. Economic Development Director Megan Baumgartner told commission members the Test Kitchen initiative has been “a learning experience for all of us.”

Baumgartner said discussions with the current Test Kitchen operator ultimately led city officials to conclude the concept was “not able to realize that full potential of what we had hoped for.” As a result, the city decided to part ways with the operator. The commission approved a recommended $10,000 settlement to release the current tenant from remaining lease obligations.

The space will next be occupied by Kelsey Murphy, a Fishers resident who gained national recognition after winning MasterChef: Legends (Season 11) in 2021. Baumgartner said Murphy is enthusiastic about moving into the location. Additional details about Murphy’s plans for the space are expected to be released within the next two weeks.

Commission members approved a three-year lease for the new restaurant, beginning January 1, 2026. The operation is expected to be called Clutch Kitchen. Construction is anticipated to take more than six months, though a firm opening timeline has not yet been established.

The Fishers Test Kitchen opened in early 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning, limiting its initial operations to carry-out service only. The concept originated from discussions between local food writer Jolene Ketzenberger and Launch Fishers founder John Wechsler, who envisioned a shared kitchen model to help emerging chefs test restaurant ideas.

Baumgartner noted the Test Kitchen went through multiple iterations during its operation but never fully achieved its original vision.