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.

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.

Site Search and Project Management

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.

Services Planning

Creating a well-rounded services plan is one of the most impactful steps a shared kitchen can take to support its members and generate sustainable revenue. A successful kitchen offers more than just space; it can become a thriving hub of business resources, education, and community development. The services you choose to provide—whether in-house advising, third-party consulting, or online courses—directly shape the value your kitchen brings to the local food ecosystem. Each service presents an opportunity to meet specific needs, help entrepreneurs overcome hurdles, and build a loyal membership base.

Regulatory Compliance

Navigating regulatory requirements is one of the most critical and challenging aspects of running a shared commercial kitchen. From obtaining food production licenses to ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, these regulations shape how your kitchen operates and the services you can offer. A deep understanding of these requirements is essential for legal compliance and a key value your kitchen provides to entrepreneurs using your space. Guiding your members through the complexities of licensing and food safety helps them thrive while positioning your kitchen as a trusted resource.

References

This chapter contains references. The references are listed in the order in which they appear in the Shared Kitchen Toolkit, chronologically by chapter. These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the authors of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. The authors bear no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

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.