Renting space from a shared kitchen?
Here is some information you should know!
All businesses operating out of a shared kitchen are required to be separately licensed and inspected, meaning they are not permitted to work under the main shared kitchen’s business license. Here’s how to obtain your license:
CATERERS
If you are a caterer, meaning you use the shared kitchen to prepare meals for specific off-site events, you will be required to obtain a Caterer License from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). You must first fill out an application to work from a shared kitchen space. Some operations may require HACCP Plans or Variance Requests.
Please review the regulations to learn more.
FOOD MANUFACTURERS
If you are a food manufacturer, meaning you process and package food items for retail or wholesale, you must fill out an application to work from a shared kitchen space. Food manufacturing operations will also receive a Caterer License from DLCP. This license category is currently the most applicable for this type of food operation. The difference between Catering and Food Manufacturing is the wholesaling/retailing aspect of your operation. If you wholesale to other stores to sell your food product for you, or if you package food items to sell at markets or over the internet, you are a food manufacturer.
Contact [email protected] for more information on food manufacturers if you have any questions.
MOBILE FOOD VENDORS
You do not need a separate business license to use the shared kitchen as your depot. You will need to obtain a vending license from DLCP. If you are a mobile food vendor and use a shared kitchen as your depot/support facility, you will need to submit an application to DC Health for a Mobile Food Vending Unit. The owner of the shared kitchen/support facility must sign and date your application, indicating you are using their shared kitchen as your depot. Remember, every six months, you will need to submit a renewal application for your Mobile Vending Health Certificate.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or (202) 535-2180
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