Last Updated On August 05, 2021 / Written By James O'Donnell

What to Know About Commissary Kitchens

What is Commissary Kitchen ?

Definition

What are the Different Types of Commissary Kitchens?

A commissary kitchen is a commercial food preparation facility. Commissaries rent space to food trucks, virtual restaurants, caterers, and others who don't own their own kitchens. Commissary kitchens provide everything their tenants need to safely prepare, cook, and store food.

Commissary kitchen owners employ a business model known as KaaS, or Kitchen as a Service. Customers lease kitchen space like they would an office space. Commissary kitchens serve a wide range of customers, including-

  • Food trucks
  • Brick-and-mortar restaurants
  • Caterers
  • Virtual restaurants and food brands
  • Concession stands
  • Pop-up restaurants
  • Ghost kitchens
There are several different types of commissary kitchens t choose from. Tenants select which type based on their own special needs. Here's a rundown on what each has to offer-

Shared use commercial kitchens are the most affordable option. The owner rents his kitchen to multiple occupants at the same time. They're a favorite of food trucks, caterers, ghost kitchens, and others.

The private commercial kitchen option is a lot pricier. In this model, the tenants have exclusive access to the kitchen space. They're used by virtual restaurants that need space during set business hours.

Renting a restaurant's kitchen is another option available to foodservice entities. Some restaurants are allowing ghost kitchens and others to rent kitchen space during off-hours. In addition, restaurants are using their kitchen space to launch their own virtual brands.

Non-traditional commercial kitchens include churches, schools, retirement facilities, etc. These tend to be very affordable locations. However, they may not offer the same amenities as private or shared-use commercial kitchens.

  • Commissary or commercials kitchens are great for those who can't afford or need full-time access to a restaurant kitchen.
  • Commissary kitchens are spurring the growth of new restaurant concepts, like food trucks and virtual restaurants.

What are the Pros and Cons of Using a Commissary Kitchen?

Are you looking to start up your own ghost kitchen, food truck, or other kinds of virtual food service? You may be considering using a commissary kitchen to prepare your meals. Before you make your decision, you need to weigh the pros and the cons of preparing meals in a commissary kitchen.

Flexibility is one of the big advantages of using a commissary kitchen. If you only need a kitchen for a few hours a day, you'll benefit from using a commissary kitchen. Food entrepreneurs can save money by only renting kitchen space when they need it, instead of committing to a long-term lease.

In addition, many commissaries rent storage spacestorage space as well as kitchen space to store equipment, food, etc. Renting space in a commissary kitchen could provide you with access to special restaurant equipment. You can also increase your available workspace by renting space in a commissary kitchen.

There are some cons to renting space in a commissary kitchen as well. You may not always be able to access space when you need it. And the commissary kitchen may not have all the equipment and amenities you require.

As you can see, there are pros and cons to using a commissary kitchen. You need to do a little research before committing to a facility. This way you'll find the commissary kitchen that best suits your needs

Some Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commissary Kitchen

Your kitchen space will serve as your ghost truck's or virtual restaurant's home base. This means it's important to carefully consider where you set up shop. Here are a few factors to consider when looking for a commissary kitchen space.

Look at the commissary's history with the health department. Has it been shut down for health violations in the past? You don't want to lose access to your kitchen space because the health department's shut the place down.

You need a secure place to store your food, spices, and other supplies. When you're looking to rent kitchen space make sure it has enough storage space, Check that the kitchen has enough shelves, refrigerator or freezer space, cabinets, etc. to store food and other items.

What will clean up be like? You need to assess the cleaning and disposal facilities offered by the commissary. This includes dumpsters, recycling bins, and places to dispose of used oil and grease.

If you operate a food truck, you may want to look for a commissary that caters to your business. Some commercial kitchens offer overnight parking for food trucks. This is important if you live in a place where you can't park a food truck.

Conclusions- What You Need to Know About Commissary Kitchens

Commissary kitchens are licensed commercial kitchens that rent space to those who can't afford or don't need a restaurant kitchen. Commissary kitchens provide cooking space and places to prepare food. Some of the food entrepreneurs that use commissary kitchens include-

  • Mobile food trucks
  • Caterers
  • Ghost kitchens
  • Concession stands
  • Ghost kitchens
  • Virtual restaurant brands


Commissary kitchens go by many names, including commercial kitchens, ghost kitchens, shared-use kitchens, etc. Commissary kitchens are licensed commercial kitchen facilities designed to produce large quantities of food. Owners of commissary kitchens often rent space to food entrepreneurs who don't require a full-time kitchen.

Commissary kitchens provide their tenants with the facilities they need to prepare and cook food. This includes refrigerator and storage space. In some instances, it also means access to commercial-grade kitchen equipment.

There are several different types of commissary kitchens. Some are shared use, where many different businesses prepare their meals in a single facility. A traditional restaurant kitchen or a church kitchen can also serve as part-time commissary kitchens.

Convenience and affordability are some of the reasons why commissary kitchens are so popular. As mobile food and delivery-only restaurants proliferate, the need for commissary kitchens.

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