I finally found a commercial kitchen to rent space from. The guy is a caterer, and just bought another store. So he is refurbishing it now, and wants me to come look around and see if I like it! The DHEC said I won't even have to pay to get it inspected, since he has to do that anyway! And she said I shouldn't need a permit either...WHAT???
Anyway, I am super excited/nervous to meet him today. Now I really need to get on the ball. I had to share my excitement of finally seeing my vision come to light!! Wish me luck!

OMG..guess how much rent I am paying? A whopping $0.00

This is absolutely amazing! I feel on top of the world right now

He said he started small and wants to help me out, so until I build up a good client base he will let me do it for free! Plus the occasional event cake, which is fine for me!!!

I have one question though. Is there a huge difference between convection ovens and regular home ovens? Do I need to turn the heat down from 325, or bake slightly less time or what? Thanks so much!!

wow, i'm sorry i don't have an answer to your oven question but just want to congratulate you on the exciting news, that is awesome!

I would think that there is going to be a baking difference. Your best bet is to get in there and just work it for yourself. I would try it at 300 and then go from there. Make sure you have an oven themometer.

I am so happy and excited for you! Best wishes!

Wow! This is INCREDIBLE news!

CONGRATULATIONS! And I wish you much success!

WoW that is awesome. WHAT A DREAM COME TRUE. Congrats.

CONGRATULATIONS that is such a blessing to just come across this deal!

Wow! Thats amazing news for you!
This kind of thing makes me so happy to hear! Congrats and Good Luck!

Congratulations!

CONGRATS!!!! I wish you much success!!

Wow!! that's awesome.. Congrats to you!!!!!

Thank you all so much for your congrats and support! I guess I just lucked out! I called every restaurant/caterer/b&b/coffee shop in town before I found him. It just proves you shouldn't give up, b/c although it's a lot of no's, there is a yes coming!

First, congratulations on the space, bless his hart for wanting to help someone just staring out.

Here is something i read on convection ovens, hope it helps:
" Even cooking that eliminates oven hot spots, the ability to bake on multiple racks at the same time without compromising quality, and lower energy costs because food cooks faster are among the benefits. Many foods get a boost from convection, once you learn how to work it.

That's an important qualifier. Convection ovens rely on a fan to circulate heated air throughout the oven sort of a reverse wind chill effect. To compensate, you'll need to lower the temperature or shorten cooking time when using recipes designed for standard radiant ovens. Failing to reduce the temperature is a common mistake, one that may produce food that's burnt on the outside yet not cooked through"

wow, that is a brilliant find!
i am seeing a little red flag with the 'occassional event cake'... cakes cost $$$$, you dont really want to find that youd be better just paying a flat rent than making cakes for him. it might be worth pinning down exactly what he means.
good luck
xx

THAT IS AWSOME NEWS FOR YOU AND SO NICE THAT HE WANTS TO HELP YOU OUT BEST OF LUCK....

Congrats to you, also, Tantalizing Treats!!! I wish you luck and success in your endevors

I never thought of renting space from another business or community entity. I might have to try that if my business grows. That's very nice of both the small business owner and the community club to help you both out.

Once again, CONGRATS to BOTH of you

Congratulations to both of you. It is really exciting to see other decorators on this site succeed! Good Luck!