Federal, state, county or local laws in many US states require that all food prepared for sale to the public be prepared or produced at a commercially licensed kitchen or that a residential kitchen certification be obtained.

Unfortunately, the cost of setting up a licensed or certified kitchen at home can sometimes be a huge obstacle to those who want to cook and sell their food to others, or who are looking to start a catering business, artisan food shop, etc.

The good news, however, that in most cities in the US there are facilities especially equipped and prepared to help chefs, cooks, caterers, and food aficionados get off the ground without the need to go through a residential kitchen certification.

These establishments are often times referred to as Commercial Kitchens or Rental Kitchens and are typically rented by the hour. This means that you don’t need to invest up-front or complicate yourself. Just try and visit the nearest commercial kitchen in your area and ask for guidance. Most of these kitchens will be happy to help out.

We will be posting links to various commercial kitchens or resources where you can search for these kitchens, as we learn or hear about them. We encourage you to share your own findings as well and help fellow Book Of Cooks’ enthusiasts get started.

We want to create a thriving community that we are all proud of. Whether you are using Book Of Cooks to sell food or to buy food, please respect all the food laws, and share tips and ideas with other users.

NOTICE: THERE ARE STRICT FEDERAL, STATE AND/OR LOCAL LAWS GOVERNING THE PREPARATION OF FOOD THAT IS MADE AVAILABLE FOR SALE. MOST JURISDICTIONS REQUIRE THAT CERTAIN FOODS BE PREPARED IN APPROVED KITCHENS OR AT THE PLACE OF CONSUMPTION. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR LOCAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS, LEARN ABOUT ANY APPLICABLE TAXES, LICENSES, AND PERMITS, AND FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH OUR WEBSITE’S TERMS OF USE BEFORE ORDERING OR SELLING FOODS. SAFETY IS FIRST.