Grow your business in a local, licensed kitchen.
Kitchen Matchmaker helps community organizations earn income from their underused building by recruiting businesses and by providing the agreements, policies and procedures to reduce risk. Host kitchens meet entrepreneurs who are vetted, licensed, and insured. Businesses sign up for specific times using the online platform that is the national standard, www.thekitchendoor.com.
Complete inquiry on www.theKitchenDoor.com
Review terms & conditions
$100 application fee due.
Match made: first date with kitchen
When both say yes, upload your documents, pay membership fees & security deposit
Orientation with kitchen, understand procedures
After approval, pay the monthly fee and you’re ready to go! Book hours online
How to get started:
Plan on about $1,000 up front:
Application fee, $100 (non-refundable, applied to annual membership fee)
Annual membership fee, $400
Insurance ($280 through FLIP, or there are other options)
Security deposit ($150, refundable when you leave the Matchmaker)
How much will this cost?
FAQs
How much does it cost? How do I pay?
1
We have three plans, starting at 5 hours per month, 20 hours, and 80 hours (see pricing page), and we anticipate a plan for food trucks that includes parking. Payment is through Kitchen Door platform--to book the space you need to a current payment method on file. You also need to have your COI, current ServSafe, and signed contract uploaded to the site. You’re billed the 5th of the month.
What if I need more hours than in my plan?
2
Great! If you go over your monthly plan hours, you’re billed that night for the additional time, so that you’re paying as you go.
What are the expectations for me in the kitchen?
3
See our roles and responsibilities. You need to follow the host kitchen’s procedures, reserve any time that you will be in the kitchen (if you might run late, you need to check to see if the kitchen is available for more time and extend your booking), and leave the kitchen clean.
Book through theKitchenDoor.com. Most kitchens will have 90 days of time available to book. You can cancel up to 48 hours before your booking without penalty, but we ask that you be thoughtful of others when reserving space--book time you’ll actually use.
How do I book, and how far in advance do I have to book? What if I have to cancel?
4
Can I have a standing booking?
5
Yes, you can set a recurring reservation.
Storage options (dry, cold, and freezer) are limited and varies by kitchen. For some storage, we recommend that you purchase a lockable tote.
6
What about storage?
Roles & Responsibilities
Provide a clean, licensed kitchen with access to a bathroom
Stock cleaning supplies and a first aid kit
Provide a contact person and a backup for all hours when the kitchen is available
Provide electricity, gas, and heating/cooling as needed for kitchen operation.
Perform general maintenance to keep kitchen equipment in good working order.
Update hours that the kitchen is not available in the app
Address problems promptly
Host Kitchens
Ensure that documentation remains current (2 certificates of insurance, ServSafe Manager certificate, method of payment)
Follow the host Kitchen Use Procedures
Leave the kitchen clean
Book hours on the app, clock in and out, and leave by the scheduled departure time
Report any facility issues or problems immediately
You may have other people with you, but you must be in the kitchen the entire time
Make some great food! Be successful!
Member Businesses
Customize and maintain the app to promote kitchens, track member active status, and kitchen availability.
Recruit entrepreneurs and understand their needs
Connect host kitchens and members
Ensure that members’ documents and form of payment are current to enable them to book time.
Bill members and pay kitchens
Draft and enforce terms and conditions
Respond to inquiries from local and state health district entities
Champion the food community