How to use local SEO and social media to attract more customers in Chicago
Leveraging local SEO and social media can bring more customers through your doors and drive awareness in a market full of unique food options. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of local SEO and social media to grow your customer base in Chicago—and why setting up your kitchen at Nimbus’s River North location can help.
How to maintain the trust of your customers while operating a virtual restaurant
Operating a virtual restaurant presents unique challenges in maintaining customer trust. Without a physical location, transparency and connection become crucial. Here’s how you can build and maintain trust with your customers.
Inside Nimbus River North: hourly kitchens
For food business owners in Chicago, access to flexible kitchen space is essential for growth and success. WWith fully equipped kitchens available on demand, you can focus on scaling your business without the overhead costs of maintaining a permanent space.
In this post, we'll walk you through how our hourly kitchen memberships work, break down the kitchen spaces available, and explain why Nimbus River North is the go-to kitchen rental option for food businesses in Chicago.
Additional revenue streams food businesses should consider
For entrepreneurs starting food businesses, the core focus is often delivering a great product and maintaining customer satisfaction. However, beyond food sales, there are numerous opportunities to diversify revenue streams. Let’s explore several additional revenue streams that food businesses should consider, including merchandise, media and content creation, events, and consumer packaged goods (CPG).
How seasonality affects food businesses in NYC and Chicago
Every season brings a new set of opportunities and challenges for food businesses, especially in cities like New York City and Chicago, where weather and tourism significantly influence customer behavior. Let’s explore how seasonality affects food businesses in NYC and Chicago on both a yearly and daily scale, and provide actionable tips on how to adapt and thrive, no matter the time of year.
The evolution of shared commercial kitchens
Not all shared kitchens are created equal. Nimbus’s flexible rental options offer a breath of fresh air in the world of shared kitchens.
How to optimize your line for high-volume service
Running a high-volume kitchen during peak service requires efficient, streamlined operations to ensure food quality, speed, and consistency. Here’s a detailed guide to help you optimize your line for high-volume service and make sure your kitchen can efficiently handle the rush.
The ghost kitchen dilemma: why some food businesses are turning to this model
A ghost kitchen, sometimes referred to as a virtual kitchen, operates without a dine-in option, focusing solely on fulfilling online orders via pick-up or delivery. This model has gained traction for its potential to maintain low operating costs and offer greater flexibility for chefs and restaurateurs. But why exactly might a business choose to run a ghost kitchen?
5 essential kitchen tools every chef has in their knife roll
Whether you're a professional chef or an enthusiastic home cook, the tools you work with can make a difference in your cooking experience. These tools ensure precision, efficiency, and safety, allowing you to create dishes with confidence and consistency.
How to source the best ingredients for your food business
In the competitive culinary world, sourcing top-quality ingredients isn’t just about convenience; it involves building relationships with trusted suppliers, understanding seasonality, buying in bulk, and maintaining high standards. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to source the best ingredients for your food business.
What is a co-packer and how to find one
In the food industry, scaling up production to meet growing demand can be a significant challenge. For many small to medium-sized businesses, the solution lies in working with a co-packer.
How to find commercial kitchen space in major metropolitan areas
If you're in the food industry and looking to expand your operations, finding the right commercial kitchen space is crucial. However, finding the right space can be challenging, especially in competitive markets. Here are some effective strategies to help you locate the ideal kitchen space for your business.
The documentation you need to operate a food business in Chicago
Operating a food business in Chicago involves navigating a complex web of regulations, licenses, and inspections that vary depending on the type of food business you run. Whether you're a shared kitchen user or a wholesale operator, it's essential to understand the documentation you need to operate legally and successfully.
How Nimbus provides the infrastructure for diverse food businesses
Nimbus offers a comprehensive infrastructure solution for various types of food businesses, making it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs looking to operate without the overhead costs of a brick and mortar location. Here’s how Nimbus supports different food business models:
Exploring the food sector: beyond the traditional restaurant
When people think of a food business, restaurants immediately come to mind. However, there are thousands of entrepreneurs nationwide who operate food businesses without the burden of running an entire restaurant space. Let's take a closer look at these innovative food businesses.
How to prepare for your first shift at Nimbus
We've put together a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your first shift with confidence. These steps will help you familiarize yourself with our facility, and policies, and maximize your experience at Nimbus.
Supporting food entrepreneurs in NYC: Nimbus & Masc Hospitality Group’s collaborative partnership
Nimbus is excited to announce a new partnership with Masc Hospitality Group (MHG), the driving force behind the iconic Night Markets in New York City!
How to choose the right chefs knife
A chef’s knife is an essential tool in any kitchen, and choosing the right one can significantly impact your cooking experience. Chef’s knives can be categorized based on their origin, shape, and material. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the different types of chef’s knives and select the best one for your needs.
5 essentials for effective food business branding
After seeing hundreds of businesses operate out of our kitchens at Nimbus, we've compiled a list of essential tips to ensure your success.
How commercial kitchens empower local communities
Since our kitchen doors opened, Nimbus has catalyzed job creation in local communities, even during economic downturns.