Are you an aspiring food entrepreneur or small-scale culinary business owner working out of your home? Starting in a home kitchen can be a cost-effective way to test your concept. However, as your business grows, you may encounter limitations. Moving into a commissary kitchen—a specialized shared commercial space for food production—can offer numerous benefits and propel your venture forward. If this article resonates with you, take it as your sign that it's time to transition to a commissary kitchen, and ensure your business flourishes.
1. Lack of Space
Is your current space feeling cramped? Is the possibility of expanding out of question due to your physical environment? If your home kitchen or shared space no longer accommodates your growing business needs—such as storage, equipment, and workspace— it's a clear sign that you require a larger and more professional environment.
Commissary kitchens provide ample space, including dedicated areas for food prep, storage, and production, allowing you to efficiently scale up your operations. Our 24 hour kitchens provide flexible stations so you can continue your operations at your own pace. On top of space, our commercial-grade equipment is maintained by Coho Staff, so you no longer have to worry about cleaning or overworking your home oven.
2. Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations: Ensure a Safe and Secure Environment
Meeting health and safety regulations is crucial for any food-based business. If you're struggling to comply with the strict requirements imposed by local health departments or regulatory agencies, it's time to consider a commissary kitchen.
Our facilities are purpose-built to meet stringent health and safety standards, ensuring you have the necessary infrastructure —proper ventilation, plumbing, and sanitation practices— to maintain compliance. By transitioning to a commissary kitchen, you can avoid potential fines, penalties, or closure due to non-compliance. We also provide new members with health & safety business templates to help you prepare for future health inspections.
3. Boost Efficiency and Productivity: Work Smarter, Not Harder
To drive your business forward, streamlining operations and maximizing productivity is key. Our commissary kitchens offer an environment tailored for food production, equipped with professional-grade appliances, commercial storage solutions, and specialized workstations. Consider the effect of making dough with a 30qt mixer in comparison to a 5qt mixer at home. By moving into our spaces, you can optimize your workflow, reduce bottlenecks, and improve efficiency. You will also have more space for staff to work and learn new skills working in a commercial kitchen environment. This enhanced productivity enables you to increase output, expand your menu, and fulfill larger orders, ultimately fueling business growth.
4. Establish a Professional Image: Elevate Your Brand Perception
In the competitive food industry, perception matters. Moving into a commissary kitchen signals to customers, suppliers, and potential investors that you are serious about your business. It demonstrates professionalism, a commitment to quality, and a level of sophistication that builds trust and credibility. Moreover, each of our commissaries have a Member Lounge, which is a dedicated space for your desk-work, product photography, and meetings with fellow entrepreneurs for potential collaborations to further enhance your brand image.
5. Access to Shared Resources and Networking Opportunities: Expand Your Horizons
Operating within a commissary kitchen means joining a thriving culinary community. If you are starting to feel isolated in your home-kitchen environment, consider how sharing a space with fellow food entrepreneurs opens doors to collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking. By connecting with like-minded individuals in the industry, you gain access to valuable insights, industry trends, and potential partnerships. Additionally, our commissaries offer shared resources and member perks such as bulk purchasing, which can help reduce costs and increase profitability.
Transitioning from a home kitchen or shared space into a commissary kitchen marks a significant milestone for any food-based business. Not only does it lay the groundwork for the necessary infrastructure to meet your local health and safety regulations, but it also offers more space, increased efficiency, and an enhanced professional image. Furthermore, the opportunity to connect with other culinary professionals and access shared resources can lead to valuable collaborations and growth opportunities.
If you're experiencing any of the signs mentioned in this article, it's time to consider making the move into a commissary kitchen and take your food venture to new heights. Head to our memberships to find a kitchen package that is perfect for you.