How to get started in a shared kitchen in Chicago?
Hourly kitchen equipment at Nimbus River North
Get your Chicago Food Service Manager License
To operate a food business in Chicago, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) requires a designated Person in Charge (PIC) to be on-site during production. This PIC must have a valid CDPH food service sanitation certificate.
To obtain this certificate, attend a training course from an approved provider, which covers food safety, temperature control, proper food handling, and sanitation procedures. A list of providers is available on the Chicago city website.
After completing the course, apply for the food service manager license with the City of Chicago and pay a the certification fee. If you have a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification from another accredited program, you can apply for reciprocity, paying only the fee without attending the course.
Get general liability insurance
Shared commercial kitchens require general liability insurance to protect you, your assets, and the facility owner from various operational risks. Insurance rates vary based on your business size, the type of food you produce, and other risk factors. Facilities with up-to-date food safety and fire suppression equipment may offer better rates. Nimbus has a partnership with FLIP which enables you to get low rates immediately.
Get a shared kitchen user license
In Chicago, businesses using a shared commercial kitchen must obtain a shared kitchen user license. For long-term needs, apply for the two-year shared kitchen user license.
The application requires:
A valid government-issued photo ID
IDOR account ID
Social Security number
A valid City of Chicago Food Sanitation Manager Certificate
A "Statement of Intent" from the owner/operator
A menu of all food items to be prepared
Submit your application online at ChicagoBusinessDirect.org or in person at the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection’s Business Assistance Center (BAC). Make an appointment before visiting to expedite service.
Submit a manufactured food application to the state of Illinois
If you plan to sell food wholesale, register with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) as a Wholesale and Manufacturing Processing Facility. This ensures your food is properly prepared and labeled. The IDPH conducts inspections and sampling as an agent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Scale your business at Nimbus in Chicago
Nimbus in Chicago is the perfect place to launch, scale, and grow your food business, offering premium commercial kitchen spaces with on-site storage, loading docks, freight elevators, on-site staff, partnerships, and more. Located in River North, Nimbus has 18 turn-key commercial kitchen units available for every use case.
Explore rental options at Nimbus today by scheduling a tour.
