10 Questions to Ask before Renting a Commercial Kitchen.
If you’re launching or expanding a food business—whether it’s a meal prep company, food truck, baking business, or ghost kitchen—finding the right commercial kitchen rental is one of the most important steps.
But not all kitchen spaces are created equal.
Before you sign a lease or commit to a membership, it’s essential to ask the right questions. The right food prep space rental can set you up for long-term growth. The wrong one? It could cost you time, money, and your reputation.
Here are 10 questions every food entrepreneur should ask before renting a commercial kitchen.
1. Is the Kitchen Fully Licensed and Health Department-Approved?
This is non-negotiable. A legitimate commercial kitchen facility must be inspected and licensed for food production. Ask if the kitchen is compliant with local health department regulations and if you’ll need your own permits or can operate under the facility’s umbrella.
2. What Type of Kitchen Setup Is Available—Shared or Private?
Do they offer shared kitchen rentals, private kitchen spaces, or both?
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Shared kitchens are best for flexible, short-term use.
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Private kitchens offer a dedicated space ideal for higher-volume production.
Knowing your production needs will help determine which option is best for you.
3. What Are the Rental Terms and Costs?
Always ask about:
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Hourly rates or monthly memberships
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Security deposits or setup fees
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Minimum usage requirements
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Charges for storage, utilities, or equipment use
A clear understanding of costs will help you budget and avoid hidden fees.
4. What Equipment Is Included?
Not all kitchens come with the same tools. Ask about:
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Ovens, ranges, fryers, mixers
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Refrigeration and freezer space
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Prep tables and sinks
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Small wares (e.g., pots, pans, utensils)
Confirm what’s included and what you’ll need to bring yourself.
5. What Are the Access Hours?
Are you cooking late nights, early mornings, or weekends?
Look for 24/7 kitchen access if your schedule is unpredictable. Limited hours could bottleneck your production.
6. How Is Scheduling Managed?
In a shared kitchen, you’ll need to reserve time slots.
Ask if there’s an online scheduling system, how far in advance you need to book, and whether your spot is guaranteed during peak hours.
7. Is Storage Available On-Site?
Commercial food production requires space for dry, cold, and frozen storage. Ask:
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Is storage included or extra?
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How much space is available?
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Is it secure and labeled?
Having reliable on-site storage is a huge convenience.
8. What Are the Cleaning and Waste Removal Policies?
A great kitchen keeps things clean and compliant. Ask:
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Who is responsible for cleaning?
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Are cleaning supplies provided?
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How is waste disposed of?
A good facility should offer guidance on maintaining health department standards.
9. Is There Staff Support or Onboarding?
Especially if this is your first commercial kitchen rental, it helps to have someone walk you through the process. Ask:
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Is there an onboarding or training session?
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Do staff help with licensing or inspections?
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Are there community perks or mentorship opportunities?
PREP® Commercial Kitchens, for example, offers expert support to help food businesses scale with confidence.
10. Are Other Food Businesses Successful Here?
The community can say a lot about the kitchen. Ask:
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Can you talk to current members?
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Are there examples of successful businesses that started here?
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What kind of food entrepreneurs use the space?
You want to be surrounded by a thriving network of like-minded operators.
Want a Copy of These Questions in Checklist Form?
🎯 Download our free Commercial Kitchen Rental Checklist and take it with you when you tour a space!
Final Thoughts
Renting a commercial kitchen is more than just finding space—it’s about finding a home for your business to grow. At PREP® Commercial Kitchens, we offer flexible shared and private kitchen rentals in Atlanta, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth, backed by health department-approved infrastructure and an amazing support team.
Ready to Find the Perfect Kitchen for Your Food Business?
📞 Book a free discovery call or learn more about our kitchen options here:
👉 Visit PREP® Commercial Kitchens