Hi I am in the planning process of starting my own licensed bakery but unfortunately living in Texas I cannot have a home business
So.... I decided to look into the options of renting a church kitchen or some other facility close to home. We have 2 incubator kitchens here but they are kinda far from me and with 5 churches within minutes from me seem to be a better option.

My question to you all is how do you propose to a church or venue to let you rent thier facilities? Do you have the proposal in writing? Cold calling? Present your portfolio? I am totally at a loss and am trying to research this as thoroughly as possible.

Thanks in advance for your help

Hi herdream, Giving you a bump, I live in the same area as you and would be interested with the feedback. good luck

Sorry, I don't have answers either but I am interested also. My church has a commercial kitchen and I am thinking of putting some sort of proposal together to try and use our kitchen. Someone has told me that insurance companies that insure the church will not insure an outside source renting the kitchen but I am not sure about this. would love to hear what other people who have been able to do this have to say.

Not wanting to burst your bubble here, but I had heard that Harris county no longer allows shared kitchen use, so no ability to rent from an existing commercial kitchen. Sucks, but I would contact the local HD anyway to find out if that is actually true or not. Good Luck!

I just went through this whole process so I'll try and be as helpful as I can. I drafted a letter to a bunch of different organizations (churches, firehouses, VFW's, etc.) that I researcged to know had commercial kitchens. In my letter, I stated what my intent was--to start XXX business. I also went on to present to them how this would be a wonderful opportunity for THEM to make money on the space while it was otherwise not in use. I explained that I had researched what was required by the health department and that I would have my own insurance, etc., etc. I probably sent out about 15 letters. I heard back from a few of the churches that they couldn't take me up on my proposal and why and then the day after I sent one of my letters to a firehouse, they called me, asked me to come in and meet with the board members and that they loved the idea. I met with them and 6 weeks later (just two weeks ago) I am completely legal. I work around their banquet/kitchen schedule, but I'm willing to do that because my rent is SUPER low. It turned out to be a great experience and I just baked my first "official" order last night. My advice is, target a group or organization that could use that extra rent money! The firehouse is making money on their kitchen space now when it would have just been empty otherwise. Good luck!

I was just wondering, do you just bake the cakes there in the rented kitchen or the whole process of baking and decorating? At my church there is a legal kitchen. Was thinking about asking to rent in the near future. I too, just trying to gather info. Can the cakes be baked in the rented kitchen and brought home to decorate? Just wondering! TIA
Hammy

Ok, enlighten me. I knew about renting from churches, schools etc but had never considered renting from my local fire department (one right up the street from me!). You can do this? What "board members" does a local fire department have? Thanks!!!

I'm guessing that every Firehouse is different. The one that I contacted has a board made up of a few officers who decide things for the station--this is a volunteer firehouse. Yep, they have a legal kitchen already and all I had to do for my license (I live in Pennslyvania) was have my own refrigerator and cabinet to store my stuff in--that's per the Health Department. I had to get a commercial refrigerator, but I got a used one and the firehouse even re-arranged some things and made space for my stuff. Then I had to go through the ServSafe course and get that certification and I had to apply for my own license with the health department and my own inspection. I have my own business insurance as well. I also paid the fees for becoming an LLC. All in all, the start-up for me was less than $5,000. And I negotiated a really good rental rate. It helps that the people I'm dealing with are the nicest people I think I have ever met! They have my website linked to their banquet site, the banquet manager passes out my business cards to her potential renters and they have just done so much to help get me set up.

To answer the other question--I do have to do everything down at the kitchen-from baking to decorating. All of it done within the confines of the kitchen. Honestly, I love it. It's easier to do it down there because there is so much space and I don't have to stop and answer the phone, open the door for the dog, move out of the way so my husband can get a snack, stop to hang up the laundry...etc.!!!

Thank you so much Diane for this information!! I will definitely keep your tips in mind. I was overthinking everything and forgot about writing a letter
I am so glad that everything worked out for you!

Cakesdivine: I called the HD and was transferred 3 times before I got a voicemail yesterday. Its funny because the lady on the voice mail says not to call and leave multiple messages, she will call back between so and so time in the morming and so and so time in the afternoon......... no call yet. I really hope what you said isnt true

Thanks so much diane223, you have been such a great big help to me! Thanks for sharing.
Hammy

Thanks for this information. Our fire station is NOT a volunteer one, so I'm unsure if they'd allow it to be used for baking. I could drop some sweets by to butter them up and the ask I suppose. Thanks again for the follow up!

I'm in the process of looking for a rental kitchen as well. My fiance's company bought an old 2 story bowling ally as their business space and when they renavated into office space they left the kitchen and bar area. They updated kitchen appliances and keep the bar stocked AND they did this all just to have a space for office parties. Anyway... they are up to code and I'm waiting to hear back from them about renting the space. But I'm not sure if they will let me

I never even thought about contacting the fire department. I was also wondering about how to approach potential locations. So THANK YOU for this thread! Writing letters will work best for me I think because then I can plan and make a case.

Thanks for all the great information!
I was wondering though what type of insurance did you purchase for your rented space diane223? And, if i may ask, what are you paying for rent? Is this on per use status or monthly?
Any tips on how to get them to agree to rent out their space?

I did some calling around and learned that my towns community kitchen is commercial grade and approved by the HD. So I called and asked if they rent it out and how to go about renting it from them. they do and its by the hour. All I have to do is come in or call a head to make sure the days I need are open. The only draw back is that I can't always get the kitchen when I need it. But 9 times out of 10 I get it when I need it.

p.s. Most states that don't allow home cake businesses wont allow you to bake commercially then take it home to decorate, it all has to be done in a commercial kitchen. The only way it can leave is if its packaged aka boxed or bagged..... just an fyi. You might want to check with you HD to see what the rules are in your area.

Hey,
I've been part of CC for almost a year now and i have never ventured past looking at the cakes!
I'm so glad i found this forum. I live in the UK and i also have a full time job, but have been makin and decorating cakes from home.
I need to start branching out now, the cake orders are coming in thick and fast. I have today completed my Level 2 food hygene certificate, But i am now unsure where i stand with trying to rent somewhere to bake. My day time job dont have an issue with me doing the cakes but i am going to have to start delcaring my takings as it is now reaching 'enough' i guess. I'm kinda stuck as for what to do. I have contemplated leaving and renting a unit and registering my company, but it costs a huge amount to rent a unit.
My hubby isn't to keen on me leaving the day job either so makes things slightly harder.
Any suggestons on what to do?
Is anyone else working full/part time jobs as well? If so how are you doing it?
Thanks for listening to me ramble!