Food businesses are notorious for their slim profit margins, sometimes hovering between 3-5%. Understanding the reasons behind these tight margins and implementing strategies to improve profitability can make a significant difference.

Chicago’s vibrant food is shaping up to be better than ever in 2025, with exciting festivals and markets that present unparalleled opportunities for food vendors on the horizon. To streamline your journey through the application process, explore our curated list of the premier food festivals and markets set to take place in Chicago this year.

New York City is a powerhouse of food culture, and 2025 is packed with incredible opportunities for food entrepreneurs to showcase their culinary talents. To help you navigate the application process, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best food festivals and markets coming up this year!

Sourcing high-quality, fresh ingredients is essential for any food business. Chicago provides access to a wide range of locally grown and sustainably sourced products. From bustling farmers markets to urban farms and food co-ops, you have plenty of opportunities to build relationships with local suppliers while supporting sustainable agriculture.

Sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential for any food business in New York City. With its abundance of farmers markets, local farms, and specialty suppliers, NYC offers endless options to ensure your dishes feature the finest ingredients. Whether you’re a chef, restaurant owner, or food entrepreneur, here’s a guide to some of the best places to source local ingredients in the city.

Starting and running a food business in New York City is an exciting venture, but it comes with its own set of legal and administrative challenges. This blog post provides a comprehensive guide to the documentation required to operate a food business in NYC.

For a limited time, new members at Nimbus River North can enjoy one month of free ingredient storage (a $200 value). This special offer is designed to make your transition into our kitchen seamless. Read on to discover more about our facility and this exclusive promotion.

What does it take to scale a food business in a competitive city like New York? For Danny, founder of Dishin’, it meant merging a passion for quality ingredients with a strategic growth approach. Starting with hourly shifts and transitioning to a private kitchen, Danny grew Dishin’ into a thriving operation producing hundreds of meals every week.

At Nimbus, we’re all about helping food entrepreneurs thrive. Our partnerships with trusted industry leaders provide our members with valuable tools and resources to grow their businesses. Here’s how these collaborations have already benefited our members and how they can help you:

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on some of the standout culinary experiences we’ve had in Chicago this year. From innovative takes on classic dishes to seasonal delights, these restaurants have captured our hearts and taste buds. Here are our favorite Chicago dining spots from 2024:

As food lovers and industry insiders, the Nimbus team has spent the year exploring some of New York City’s most exciting dining spots. From bold global flavors to comforting classics, these restaurants delivered unforgettable culinary experiences that made 2024 truly special. Here’s our roundup of NYC’s must-visit restaurants this year.

Operating a virtual restaurant comes with unique opportunities and challenges, and pricing your menu items correctly is one of the most important steps to success. Whether you’re a food entrepreneur, a small to medium-sized food business owner, or a culinary professional exploring flexible kitchen spaces, understanding how to price your products strategically can empower your business and increase your profit margins

This holiday season, each gift you give can tell a story and create a connection. By choosing from Nimbus members, you’re not just giving a product—you’re sharing the passion, creativity, and hard work of incredible local entrepreneurs. Happy gifting!

Having a strong online presence is crucial for any food business. Digital marketing can help you connect with more customers and grow your brand. Here’s our comprehensive guide to get you started with digital marketing for your food business.

Expanding your food business into new markets is an exciting step that can lead to new opportunities and revenue growth. However, growth comes with challenges, and diving into a new market without preparation can be risky. Testing your concept is an essential step to see how it resonates with a new audience.

Running a brick-and-mortar restaurant comes with a host of unforeseen costs that can quickly add up, putting a strain on both finances and time. These unexpected expenses can catch even seasoned restaurateurs off guard.

Whether you are just starting out or managing a growing business, understanding the kitchen options available can help you make the right decision. Here’s an overview of different kinds of food businesses, and the best kitchen option for each one. 

While the thought of cooking the perfect bird can feel daunting, it’s completely achievable with a few tried-and-true techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or preparing your first Thanksgiving meal, these five tips will guide you to turkey perfection.

Whether you're hosting a small, intimate gathering or a larger event, careful planning and attention to detail are essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you successfully host a private dining event.

Starting or scaling a food business in Chicago takes more than culinary skills—it requires capital. Whether you’re a chef launching a restaurant, a food truck operator expanding your fleet, or a packaged goods creator aiming for store shelves, attracting the right investors is essential. Here’s a guide on securing investors for your Chicago food business and how Nimbus’s River North location could be the ideal base.