What is a commissary kitchen?
A commissary kitchen is a licensed commercial kitchen you rent — by the hour, day, or month — instead of building and permitting your own. Food trucks, caterers, bakers, and packaged-food businesses use them for compliant production, storage, and (for trucks) water, waste disposal, and parking.
How do I find a commissary kitchen near me?
Pick your metro below to see real, currently-operating shared and commercial kitchens in that area, then confirm each one is licensed in your county and offers the services you need. New markets are added over time.
Do I need a commissary for a food truck?
In most jurisdictions, yes. Mobile food units are typically required to operate from an approved commissary that provides potable water, gray-water disposal, food storage, and often overnight parking. Confirm the exact rule on your county’s requirements page.
When do I need a commercial kitchen instead of cooking at home?
Once you sell foods that need temperature control, exceed your state’s cottage food sales cap, sell wholesale for resale, or ship out of state, you generally must move into a licensed commercial or commissary kitchen. See the cottage food laws by state to find your trigger.