Shared Kitchens: What They Are & The Benefits for Commercial Spaces

In This Article:

• What are shared kitchens and shared commercial kitchens?
• Is a shared kitchen model right for me?
• The Anatomy of a Shared Kitchen
• Choosing the Right Kitchen for You
• What are the costs of a shared kitchen?
• Shared Kitchens Near Me

For the expanding foodservice or catering professional, shared kitchens offer several advantages:  

• Commissary kitchens pay all the bills for utilities, pest control, security, etc. 
• Commissaries provide good commercial grade equipment and maintain it. 
• While you need your own business license and food handler’s permit, shared kitchens make it easy to stay compliant with local health codes—they’re responsible for passing inspections. 
• Shared kitchens provide a sense of community where you can benefit from the advice and experience of fellow operators. 
• Commissaries often provide additional services such as kitchen staff and incubator programs that can help you grow your business faster.  

Shared Kitchen Featured Item:

Most shared kitchens and shared restaurants have some type of large refrigerator to keep goods cold and fresh.

Kratos 69K-773 Commercial Two Door Reach-in Refrigerator

$2,599.00/Each

Do you want to learn even more about what it takes to set up a successful kitchen? Check out the ultimate guide to planning a commercial kitchen.

Is a shared kitchen model right for me?

Renting a shared commercial kitchen or shared restaurant space makes the most sense when you simply don’t have the room or the right equipment to cater an event. The advantage of a shared kitchen is that you only use and pay for it when you need it, so you don’t have the overhead of maintaining that space and equipment yourself.  

Still, rates to use shared kitchen spaces vary (see below), and you’ll need to determine if the event is large enough to generate the income necessary to offset your costs.  

If you’re catering small parties, a shared kitchen may make less sense; instead you might be able to find a restaurant willing to give you time in its kitchen during off-hours, either for a smaller fee or in trade for something you can offer the restaurant. 

Shared Kitchen Featured Item:

Shared kitchen and shared restaurant spaces typically have catering equipment to tailor to small and large parties.

CenPro Black Front Loading Insulated Food Pan Carrier – 5 Full Size Pan Capacity

$199.99/Each

The Anatomy of a Shared Kitchen

Depending on location, shared kitchens and shared commercial kitchens can range from small spaces of less than 1,000 sq. ft. to massive communal food enterprises of more than 30,000 sq. ft. You’ll find an equally diverse range of equipment in these spaces, too, so it pays to do your homework.

In larger cities, you may have dozens of shared kitchens to choose from, usually ensuring you’ll find exactly what you need. Smaller markets, not surprisingly, have fewer shared kitchen facilities to choose from, so you may have to adapt or find workarounds for some of your needs.

Layouts vary for shared commercial kitchens and shared restaurant space, too. Some shared kitchens have a large communal prep area and one or more cooking stations with different types of equipment, such as for baking. Smaller shared spaces may have only one kitchen setup, so you might have to jockey for time slots in order to use the area or space you need.

Common shared kitchen and shared restaurant space layouts include assembly line, island cooking suites, zone-style layout, galley kitchen or open kitchen. If you’re more comfortable with one over another, try to find a shared kitchen with the layout you prefer, and that meets your other needs, as well.

Besides shared kitchens, another trend in commercial foodservice right now are ghost kitchens. Check out why so many foodservice establishments are adopting this trend.

Choosing the Right Kitchen for You

When evaluating shared kitchens, first think about what the needs of your customers are, and what you’ll need to cater a particular event. Make a list of how much and what type of storage space you require, what equipment you’ll need, how many staffers you’ll need to prep and cook to determine how many prep/cook stations you’ll need, and what hours will work best for your schedule.

The chart shows an example of what equipment you’re likely to find in a large shared kitchen with three cooking bays.

What does it cost to use a shared kitchen space?

Shared kitchens typically charge for use by the hour and by linear foot for storage, whether refrigerated or dry. Some have monthly membership fees; some have minimum hourly fees with a sliding scale that lowers the hourly cost the more hours you use. Still, others will let you rent a space by the month that is all yours so no one else can share it.

Costs can vary from $12 per hour to $35 or more per hour with monthly rates running from around $500 to $1750. Some sample costs:

Sample Hourly Shared Kitchen Rates

Shared Kitchen Featured Items:

A shared kitchen and shared restaurant space typically have shelving and storage solutions. Here are a few of our favorite picks.

Cambro SFC2452 – Square Green Lid – For 2 and 4 Qt. Capacity Storage Containers

$2.42/Each

Kratos Refrigeration 69K-856 Cold Wall Milk Cooler, Single Access

$1,849.00/Each

Sample Storage Rates

Daily dry storage: $10 per shelf

Daily freezer storage: $20 per shelf

Daily cooler storage: $25 per door per day (2-door and 3-door coolers)

Shared Kitchen Resources:

To find shared kitchens and rates near you, visit these websites:

• The Kitchen Door – lists shared kitchens by zip code
• Commercial Kitchens for Rent – lists commercial kitchens by state
• Peerspace – kitchen spaces for rent

FAQs on Shared Kitchens and Shared Restaurant Space

1.  What is a shared kitchen?

A shared kitchen, also known as a communal kitchen, is a licensed and inspected commercial kitchen available for rent by the hour, day, week, or month. It’s a space where foodservice providers, caterers, restaurants, food truck operators, and others can access professional-grade equipment and facilities without the burden of maintaining their own kitchen space.

Check out our top shared kitchen catering items here.

2.  What is a shared kitchen called?

A shared kitchen may also be referred to as a commercial shared kitchen or a shared commercial kitchen. These kitchens can be found in various sizes, catering to different culinary needs and businesses.

Check out our top shared kitchen shelving items here.

3.  How do you manage a shared kitchen?

Managing a shared kitchen typically involves scheduling your kitchen time slots, adhering to health codes, and ensuring you have the necessary business licenses and permits. Shared kitchens often handle utility bills, equipment maintenance, and inspections, making it convenient for users. Additionally, they foster a sense of community, allowing operators to benefit from each other’s experiences.

4.  How does a communal kitchen work?

A communal kitchen operates by providing shared access to commercial-grade equipment and facilities. Users can book kitchen time according to their needs, paying only for the hours or storage space they use. The kitchen management handles essential services like maintenance and health code compliance, simplifying the process for entrepreneurs.

Check out our top shared kitchen large equipment here.

5.  How do you organize a shared kitchen?

Organizing a shared kitchen involves considering your specific needs, such as storage requirements, equipment, staffing, and hours of operation. You should choose a kitchen that aligns with your catering or foodservice business’s goals. Depending on the location and size of the shared kitchen, you may encounter different layouts, so it’s essential to select one that suits your preferences and requirements.

Check out our top shared kitchen organizational items here.