How to approach caterers about leasing/renting their kitchen space/time?

[kkhigh]

I would love to have a legal facility from which to market and produce wedding and specialty cakes. I have thought of working out some type of arrangement with a caterer (that does not already offer these cakes) where I could rent time/space/use of their kitchen & equipment to do so. Any thoughts? This would give me a chance to gradually build my buisness with low overhead and low upfront investment. I would be a separate buisness, have my own license, take care of my own supplies, finances, etc. I just need the use of commercial space and equipment. I have a couple of caterers in mind, I'm just not sure how to present/sell the idea to them. Also unsure how to compensate them. For those of you that own a catering buisness, what would it take for you to allow someone to do this? What reasons can you give for considering or not considering such an offer? Thanks for the help and information.
-Kim

[Suzanne]

In many cities there are legal commercial kitchens available to rent. They are usually available on an hourly basis, to people who need a legal kitchen but whose businesses are not yet big enough to afford their own facility. Check around to see if there are any in your area.

[kkhigh]

Really? That sounds great. How do I go about finding these commercial kitchens? I checked the phone book under 'kitchen' with no luck. Any ideas? Thanks for the info!
-Kim

[Suzanne]

Try looking for culinary education programs; sometimes they rent their kitchens out when they're not needed for teaching. I just spent three days doing product testing in that sort of situation. It was a terrific facility.

Or call caterers and ask where they do their cooking. Especially if the address they list is in a residential area (if they're doing it right, they are NOT cooking at home). If they rent kitchen space, they can give you contacts. Which almost brings you back to your original idea -- just ask. If they rent out their own kitchens to others, they have set fees that usually depend on the frequency with which you use it, and the time of day. This is true for all rental kitchens, I believe.

Also, it might help others here give you suggestions if you let us know where you are. General location is enough -- which major metropolitan area are you near, or other place we can relate to.

[buddyrv]

Kkhigh,
I'm in the same situation. What I have done is contacted local churches and VFW's, etc. and asked if they had kitchens. Most of them do. I offer a donation and utility help in exchange for use of their facility.

Most welcome this because their all NON-Profit orgs and they can use the money.

I have however been turned down because of their fear of health department inspections. I assured them that will not affect them but their set in their ways.

Good Luck

[chefteldanielle]

I too am having a tough time here in Portland trying to rent a spot parttime where the caterer will not take me for all I've got.
The churches are out of the ?? because of the health codes
Danielle