Toolkit Guide

Survey Data Summary 2023 Shared Kitchen Operator Survey

This summary report provides the latest data from the shared kitchen industry. In the four years since operators were last surveyed, the industry faced the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of food delivery platforms, and increased construction costs. Findings from the Fall 2023 survey of shared kitchen operators, presented in this report, found that the shared kitchen industry is continuing to grow: new shared kitchens continue opening to address unmet demand, and many kitchens are finding opportunities to pivot and grow in the aftermath of the pandemic. A large portion of kitchens report positive indicators of growth and success in the past three years: profitable or breaking even, kitchen profit increasing or staying the same, number of members increasing or staying the same, and kitchen employees increasing or staying the same. However, some kitchens are experiencing challenges and have struggled to recover since the pandemic impacts of 2020.

Site Search and Project Management for Shared Kitchens

Finding the right property and managing the build-out of your shared kitchen is one of the most exciting milestones in your journey, but it’s also one of the most complex. Before embarking on this phase, it’s critical to have a welldefined business model, clear financial projections, and a solid kitchen design concept in place. These foundational steps will guide you in identifying the right location, ensuring that your site search aligns with your operational goals and financial capabilities.

Shared Kitchen Staffing and Team Management

Staffing and team management in a shared kitchen are not just about filling roles; they’re about fostering a community that drives operational efficiency and collaborative growth. The heart of a well-managed shared kitchen lies in its people, from the kitchen manager to support staff, each contributing to a seamless, high-energy environment where multiple food entrepreneurs thrive side by side.

Shared Kitchen Risk Management & Insurance

Safeguarding your shared kitchen is about more than just running a wellfunctioning kitchen—it’s about creating a secure, resilient space that can weather any challenges. Whether you’re just opening your kitchen doors or have been managing a bustling facility for years, this chapter is designed to give you the tools and knowledge needed to ensure your kitchen remains safe, efficient, and sustainable. We’ll walk you through the essential pillars of protection: contracts, risk management, and insurance, all tailored specifically to the unique needs of shared kitchens.

Shared Kitchen Pricing Models

Developing a pricing model for your shared kitchen is one of the most critical steps in ensuring your facility’s financial sustainability and delivering value to the entrepreneurs you serve. Crafting the right pricing strategy goes beyond simply setting rates for kitchen rentals; it involves understanding your operating costs, local market conditions, and the needs of your members. Pricing also reflects the value you provide through your facility’s unique offerings, such as specialized equipment, storage, and business support services.

Shared Kitchen Industry Overview and Models

In recent years, shared kitchens have emerged as dynamic hubs for foodinnovation, economic development, and community growth.

Build, Grow, and Thrive with the Ultimate Shared Kitchen Toolkit

Your step-by-step guide to creating successful and sustainable shared-use commercial kitchens.

The Shared Kitchen Toolkit is a comprehensive resource designed to assist entrepreneurs and organizations in establishing and managing shared-use commercial kitchens. It offers in-depth insights into various kitchen models—including shared commercial kitchens, incubator kitchens, community kitchens, and ghost kitchens—and explores the latest industry trends driving their growth. The guide provides practical advice on business model design, community programming, service planning, market research, pricing strategies, financial management, funding options, regulatory compliance, facility design, and member recruitment. By addressing these critical aspects, the toolkit aims to foster successful and sustainable shared kitchen operations that contribute to local food innovation and community development.

While the whole Toolkit is available to read for free on our website below, we know you may want your own copy to download, take notes, and share with your stakeholders. Click the PDF Download for more info on purchasing your very own Shared Kitchen Toolkit.