Do any of you rent kitchen space so you can become legal? If so, how do you find a place to rent? and then how do you go about inspections, etc. for a place like that?

I've heard of people renting out kitchens in churches ...........so you might start there.........as far as the inspections go you're going to need to research the laws in your state and sometimes your particular county or city. check on the homepage there's a link to every states laws on starting your own cake business.

Rooh, I'm in the same boat as you - looking at where to start.

I have been given the following suggestions, so I thought I'd share.

Contact your local churches, American Legion halls, (sorry, I'm assuming you're USA) Grange meeting halls, Firehalls, etc. Think Moose Lodges, and things like that.

Then contact your local health department and ask a lot of questions, like would you need your own self-health certificate (most likely)... how inspections are handled, etc. They're there for a reason.

I used to work for a bakery start up. The more you work with them, it seems the more forgiving, helpful and educational they are.

Good luck!

Thanks for your replys - I have checked with churches, Knights of Columbus, American Legions, Schools, VFW, etc....... I'm coming up with nothing so far.... Still waiting on a few calls to be returned on some of the places.

People think I am totally stupid calling them to see if I can rent kitchen space.

Have you tried a local restaurant that only does say breakfast and lunch business or only dinner business? They might be willing to talk to you.

And I wonder if maybe a private school (like a parochial high school?) would be able to share some space for a fee.

I'll keep thinking for you!