What is a commissary kitchen?

What is a commissary kitchen?

A commissary kitchen is a commercial kitchen space that is leased out to food businesses. They are a great way for businesses have access to a fully-equipped code compliant commercial kitchen.

Types of Commissary Kitchens

There are three main types of commissary kitchens:

Shared-kitchen: This type of commissary kitchen is a shared space with multiple tenants. Tenants have limited access to the kitchen and must schedule time in advance to use it. This is the most cost-effective option but can also be the least convenient.

Private-kitchen: This type of commissary kitchen is dedicated to one tenant. The tenant has exclusive access to the kitchen and does not have to worry about scheduling time with other tenants. This is the most expensive option but provides the most convenience.

Hybrid use: This type of commissary kitchen is a combination of the first two. The tenant has exclusive access to the kitchen but can also share the space with other tenants. This option provides the most flexibility.

Types of Food Businesses Using Commissary Kitchens

Commissary kitchens are used by a wide range of food businesses, from small catering companies to large restaurants. It is typically used by:

• Food entrepreneurs starting a food concept or a virtual brand.
• Caterers
• Food truck owners for whom having a permanent kitchen is an obligation in most staes
• Food product producers

Pros and Cons of a Commissary Kitchen

Pros

• Cost savings: Commissary kitchens can help businesses save money on overhead costs, as they do not have to invest in their own kitchen space.
• Convenience: They also provide convenience, as businesses can use the kitchen without having to worry about scheduling time with other tenants.
• Flexbility: Finally, they provide flexibility, as businesses can choose between different types of kitchen space and can usually terminate the lease contract whenever they want.

Cons

• Limited access: Commissary kitchens can often be crowded, making it difficult for businesses to access the kitchen when they need it.
• Low quality equipment: The equipment in commissary kitchens can also be lower quality than what businesses would have in their own kitchen.
• Less control: Finally, businesses have less control over the kitchen, as they are sharing it with other tenants.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Commissary Kitchen

The cost of renting a commissary kitchen can vary depending on the size of the kitchen, the type of kitchen (shared-kitchen, private-kitchen, hybrid), and the location. Generally, shared-use commissary kitchens are the most cost-effective, with prices starting at $20-$30 per hour. Private-use commissary kitchens are more expensive, with prices starting at $50-$100 per hour.

How to find a commissary kitchen for rent?

1. Look for commissary kitchen rental sites that list commercial kitchen spaces. Platforms like The Kitchen Door, and Revolving Kitchen are some of the more popular ones.
2. Search for local business directories and search for commissary kitchen listings in your area. Sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Maps can be helpful in finding these types of commercial kitchens.
3. Reach out to other food entrepreneurs in your area to see if they have any recommendations. Word of mouth is often the most reliable source of information when it comes to finding the right commissary kitchen.
4. Check out online classifieds like Craigslist and Kijiji to see if anyone is offering commissary kitchen space for rent.
5. Contact local culinary incubators and incubator kitchens in your area. These organizations often have kitchen space for rent, and they may be able to provide some helpful connections.
6. Ghost kitchen providers like CloudKitchens, Reef Technology, and Kitchen United can also be a good way to find a fully-equipped commissary kitchen space, especially if you have virtual brand and want to focus on food delivery.

Using a prefabricated building instead of building a commissary kitchen

If you have a landlot, parking space or warehouse you’d like to build a commissary kitchen on, how about deploying a prefabricated modular kitchen there instead of building a brick and mortar commercial kitchen?

ContekPro provides several turnkey prefabricated commissary kitchens that will save you time, money and a lot of hassle. Check our floor plans that here.

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