Wichita Kansas | Planeta Venus | Septmeber 3, 2024
Written by Byanet Alvarado
Translated by Claudia Amaro
In recent years, post-pandemic, there has been a surge in the number of shared-use kitchens or commercial kitchens that rent their space by the hour, day, or month.
This new business trend has arrived in Wichita, Kansas. Shared-use commercial kitchens, better known as "Coworking Kitchens," “Incubator Kitchens,” provide a space to take a food business to the next level, even without the resources to rent a private space. We understand how difficult it is these days to secure a place to work, and when it comes to a commercial kitchen, it’s even more challenging. That’s why co-working spaces are ideal, with the main benefit being affordable costs for any type of business.
Planeta Venus interviewed Sabrina Stephens, who manages the innovative 'A la Carte" initiative, a commercial shared kitchen that recently opened its doors inside The Boston Park in Wichita Kansas, located in south Wichita at 6655 E. Zimmerly St. Stephens handles communications with members, schedules, and ensures users have what they need to run their businesses successfully.
A la Carte is a collaborative service initiative between Create Campaign, Inc., a nonprofit organization in the Wichita area that helps individuals to start or grow a business, and the Wichita City Council. It was created to provide commercial kitchen space to businesses and entrepreneurs, elevate their opportunities for business growth, and expand their connections in the industry.
According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, this kitchen is the first of its kind in Kansas. Some of its standout features include affordable pricing, streamlined licensing processing and compliance, secure onsite storage for dry and refrigerated products, easy scheduling for weekday access, onsite staff to assist with troubleshooting (support available in both English and Spanish), access to shared office space within the kitchen, access to multi-use space for brand growth opportunities, access to business capital, and more.
Stephens noted that A la Carte is unique in that it allows users to not only prepare catering and individual meals for sale but also package and label their food.
Shared-use commercial kitchens typically charge between $15 and $35 per hour. At A la Carte, the hourly rate is $15, making it particularly attractive for business owners.
Food businesses have been shown to thrive in incubators, which can serve as a testing ground for future investment. Most food businesses start in a home kitchen with a great idea. Once the final recipe is ready for sale, the home kitchen becomes a business. However, business owners often cannot obtain the necessary food license or product liability insurance to manufacture and sell a homemade product.
Legally, entrepreneurs must produce their products in a professional kitchen that can be inspected by insurance companies, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, or the county health department.
Kitchen incubators offer short- or long-term rentals at reasonable rates with flexible timeshare arrangements. Kitchens must provide commercial-grade ovens, refrigerators, freezers, mixers, food processors, work tables, pots and pans, utensils, and secure storage space.
While kitchen incubators can be rewarding, they require significant knowledge of the food industry and local laws, as well as sufficient capital for initial construction and operations, as incubators are not self-sustaining within the first five years.
A la Carte was inaugurated in Wichita on August 8. The event was attended by community leaders, Mayor Lili Wu, Councilmember Brandon Johnson, and business leaders.
“The idea for A la Carte came about to create a space for food industry entrepreneurs and give them a ‘boost’ to get started,” Stephens told us. She added that they were inspired by Shared Kitchen 66 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “They shared ideas on how to start and what our Shared Kitchen needed,” she concluded.
A la Carte is considered a nonprofit kitchen, as people can rent space by submitting a prospect application and becoming members if they qualify and meet state licensing requirements, including a food handler’s card. Afterward, they undergo an online interview as a follow-up to their application and to address any questions. Schedules are arranged by both parties, as the kitchen is not open 24 hours a day. It’s worth noting that participation in Create Campaign, Inc. programs is required to take part. This organization also assists with obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, business planning, and even business loans.
Membership includes storage space, refrigerators, lockers for personal items, and even event spaces onsite. All kitchen equipment is provided, including juicers, fryers, and everything typically needed to prepare food. In some other shared kitchen spaces, light storage comes with additional fees, but at A la Carte, it is included with membership, and only the hours of use are added. You can get more information about the programs, access to A la Carte, and an estimate of your monthly expenses by contacting Stephens, whose information is available on the Create Campaign, Inc. website.
Planeta Venus also talked to Christina Long, President/CEO of Create Campaign, Inc. Long is an important member in our community when we talk about business development for minorities in Kansas. "Create Campaign listens to entrepreneurs and their needs. A La Carte serves as a solution that builds a set of supports -- as well as access to shared commercial kitchen space -- for food brands to grow. We're thankful to partners including: the City of Wichita; the Wichita Parks Foundation - a funding partner; and Cox - lead equipment donor for helping us realize this dream for food-based entrepreneurs." said Long.
“We’ve all worked very hard and wonderfully to make this happen. I hope more participants join us so we can help them achieve their dreams,” Stephens said, wrapping up her comments on the new A la Carte initiative.