Find Commercial Kitchen spaces
Commercial kitchens are ideal event hosting, batch processing, and content production locations. These facilities feature an array of high-end appliances, including professional-grade ranges and ovens, commercial refrigerators and freezers, ice makers, and dishwashers, allowing event planners and culinary product creators to work within a space that meets their exact specifications.
Commercial kitchens have been designed to maximize efficiency. Most of these establishments also feature separate storage areas with enough space to store supplies, as well as plenty of countertop space. They provide ideal settings for cooking classes, batch-processing food products, producing cooking shows, and hosting myriads of food-centric occasions, including festivals and expositions.
Event hosts and their guests would appreciate the convenience of having all necessary ingredients on-hand as well as the flexibility such spaces provide. Depending on the size of the venue, it is possible to set up dedicated seating, staging, and socializing areas.
The Best Events for Commercial Kitchen spaces
- Cooking Classes
Cooking classes provide fun sessions for all foodies to learn how to prepare different dishes, and they are an enjoyable way to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday. A commercial kitchen is a perfect venue for this type of event, with enough room for guests or participants to learn as well as kick back and relax afterward. The sessions could be week-long classes or one-off sessions focused on learning about different cooking techniques, getting hands-on experience handling high-end equipment, or creating delicious dishes that guests or participants can take home afterward.
- Team Building Events
With a commercial kitchen as the setting, team-building events are especially fun and engaging. Making meals together offers a refreshing change of pace to traditional team-building programs, with each member assigned a specific role in the process or competing against one another in a culinary challenge. This type of function encourages collaboration and creativity and allows participants to bond through food.
- Pop-up Restaurants
For those looking for a more unique experience, pop-up restaurants are becoming increasingly popular throughout major cities around the world. These temporary eateries provide a platform for aspiring chefs and restaurateurs to showcase their culinary skills without having to invest in a full brick-and-mortar establishment. Commercial kitchens provide spaces that are up-to-code with health safety regulations as well as the room to set up dining areas for these exclusive events.
- Food Festivals & Expositions
Commercial kitchens provide ample space for hosting food festivals and expositions that attract top vendors from around the region to showcase their products and services in an engaging platform. Most of these events include performances, tastings, workshops, and competitions, drawing in large crowds of people looking for something new and exciting.
What to Look for in Commercial Kitchen Spaces
- Space
The size and layout of the commercial kitchen should offer enough square footage for the scheduled activities, and restrictions that may be in place (such as fire codes or access limitations) are also worth considering. It is important to confirm that the facility is suitable for the specific type of function you’re hosting, whether it’s a casual gathering or a large-scale corporate affair. The space should also provide ample countertop space for food preparation and service, along with enough storage room to set up seating areas or booths.
- Kitchen Features
Inquire about what types of appliances are available or whether you can bring in such equipment from outside sources before the event. Additionally, find out what types of dishes, cutlery, and serving utensils are provided by the facility (if any) to avoid any potential last-minute surprises related to purchasing these items separately later on.
- Sanitary Conditions
For safety purposes, it is imperative to check on the cleanliness standards of the commercial kitchen prior to signing a contract with the venue provider. Make sure all surfaces are routinely sanitized, and inquire about daily cleaning protocols that are in place. It’s also helpful to inquire about safety features such as fire extinguishers in case of emergency situations.
- Location
The location of the commercial kitchen space is just as important, particularly if you are hosting a function with guests and participants from all over. Not only should the venue be located in a convenient area but it should also be in proximity to suppliers and vendors willing to provide necessary ingredients or supplies throughout the occasion. It’s also beneficial when selecting a commercial kitchen space to think about public transportation options if guests need assistance getting there.
How to Make Commercial Kitchen Events Better
- Prepare a customized menu
Ask your guests what food preferences they may have ahead of time so that you can come up with a suitable menu that accommodates all dietary restrictions or allergies. When preparing for a large function it’s important to consider menu diversity so everyone enjoys the food offered for the occasion.
- Make use of high-quality ingredients
Quality ingredients can make or break a food event hosted at a commercial kitchen space. Investing in high-quality, seasonal ingredients guarantees that your guests will enjoy a unique culinary experience. Look into local farmers' markets or specialty stores that are known for their produce and meats to help create delicious dishes.
- Have a well-stocked pantry
Make sure that all necessary ingredients are on hand before hosting a function in a commercial kitchen. Stock the pantry with everything from oils, spices, herbs, vinegar, and condiments, to fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, so that you can whip up delicious dishes quickly and easily without having to worry about running out of ingredients.
- Ensure adequate staff
Having enough staff on hand is key for any event, but especially in a commercial kitchen setting where there is more involved than just serving food. Hire enough qualified personnel with experience working within a commercial kitchen setting and handling the equipment found in the facility.
- Keep safety top of mind
Safety should always be considered when organizing any type of culinary event, especially in a commercial kitchen setting where there is more space for accidents and hazards to occur. Make sure all safety protocols are followed and that all personnel have received proper training before beginning any activity in the kitchen.