How do I get started?

The first step for prospective clients is to make an appointment to see the kitchen. Someone is not always available for drop-in showings so it's important to make an appointment first. We're happy to answer any questions and will provide you with the paperwork you'll need (it isn't much).

Once you're ready to get started, we require just four things:

  1. A valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate

  2. Proof of liability insurance (minimum coverage of $1 million) with Kitchen Chicago listed as additional insured

  3. A signed operating agreement with Kitchen Chicago

  4. A valid Shared Kitchen User license for your business (short or long term) from the City of Chicago

Many of our clients visit us early in their planning process, after which we don't hear from them until a few months later when they are ready to get started. So don't hesitate to call us even if you're not sure of everything else quite yet. We understand that many of the people that are new to our space are also new to running their own business. There's no pressure, and we may even be able to help you out, as we have with a number of other new, small business owners.

 

When do I need to reserve kitchen time?

Calendars open 90 days in advance and will remain open up to 12 hours before a booking time. If you need to reserve space less than 12 hours in advance please contact us directly at info@kitchenchicago.com. Hours are reserved on a first-reserved, first-served basis.

 

Can I use my State of Illinois Food Service Sanitation Certificate?

No, you must be certified by the City of Chicago to use Kitchen Chicago. However, if you are certified by the State of Illinois, you can obtain your City of Chicago certification at Malcolm X College (1900 Jackson Blvd. Suite 0203) by signing a reciprocity agreement & paying a $52 fee.

 
 
 

When do I pay for kitchen usage?

Payment is due prior to your use of the kitchen. If you are reserving multiple blocks of time for the month, your advance payment is needed to reserve those times. In the case of one-time or drop-in use, payment will be required prior to using the kitchen.

What if I need to Cancel?

Clients may cancel a shift up to 121 hours (6 days) prior to the scheduled time. If a shift is cancelled 120 hours (5 days) or less from the scheduled time, the client will be charged for 50% of the scheduled time.

 

What if I don't use all of my hours for the month?

Hours cannot be credited to the following month. We understand that it is hard to estimate how many hours you'll need, but due to the nature of the business, it is extremely important that you try to estimate as accurately as possible, as hours cannot be credited to the following month. We'll be happy to help you with your time estimates, and in the event that you do have extra hours, we'll try our best to help you find other clients that need extra hours or are willing to trade.

 
 
 
 
 

What if I need to buy extra hours in a month?

If there is unreserved time available, additional hours can be purchased at the same rate you're paying for that month.

 

Does each person clean up after themselves?

Yes. While we don't expect you to wash the walls and clean the floor mats, you should leave the kitchen the way you'd like it to look when you come in. That basically means: wash your dishes, wipe down dirty surfaces, sweep, and mop.

 
 
 
 

Do you allow ghost kitchens?

At this time we do not allow ghost kitchens to utilize the space.