Well, howdy! Today, we’re tackling one of the biggest headaches new vendors face—commissaries.

A lot of folks jump into vending, buy their cart, and then realize, “Oh crap, I need a commissary?

What is a commissary?”
And boom!
They hit a roadblock.

Some vendors even quit right then and there, selling their cart before ever getting started.

But not you!

Because today, I’m going to break it all down and show you how to get a commissary the easy way—or even build your own.

What is a Commissary?

A commissary is a commercial kitchen that a food vendor uses to prep food, clean equipment, and sometimes store supplies.

Most health departments require street food vendors to have a commissary because they don’t want you washing pans in your bathtub at home.

When you go to get your health permit, your inspector will ask for proof of a commissary.

Helpful: Don’t Tell Your Health Inspector This!

This is usually just a simple letter stating that a commercial kitchen is letting you use their facilities.

Some states require that the kitchen be inspected, but most just want that letter.

Helpful: What’s a Commissary Kitchen?

Why Do You Need a Commissary?

Some states are a pain in the neck when it comes to commissaries, while others are a breeze.

The idea behind requiring a commissary is food safety—making sure vendors have a proper place to clean and store food.

Helpful: Bad Food Safety Made Us Sick

Do vendors actually use their commissaries?

Well, let’s just say most vendors do everything at home and only visit their commissary when they absolutely have to.

But to get legal and keep your health permit, you need one on paper.

Helpful: How to Run a Hot Dog Cart Without a Commissary

How to Find a Commissary

If you’re thinking, “Dang, where do I even start?”—don’t worry.
I got you covered.

1. Ask Local Restaurants

Many small restaurants, diners, or mom-and-pop cafes are more than happy to let you use their kitchen for a small monthly fee.

Some won’t even charge you!

2. Grocery Store Kitchens

Some grocery stores with in-house delis or bakeries will allow vendors to use their kitchen during off-hours.

3. Church Kitchens

Churches often have licensed commercial kitchens that they use for community meals and events.

Many will let you use their space for free or in exchange for a donation.

4. Catering Kitchens & Incubator Kitchens

There are rental kitchens in almost every major city that allow food vendors to rent space.

These are incubator kitchens or shared-use kitchens, and they already meet health department requirements.

You just pay for the time you need.

5. VFWs, Moose Lodges, & Community Centers

These types of organizations often have commercial kitchens that sit empty most of the time. Reach out and ask!

6. Make a Deal with Another Vendor

Some vendors have built their own commissary (I’ll show you how in a second).

If you find one, they might let you rent space from them.

Helpful: How To Get A Hot Dog Cart Commissary Kitchen

7. Call Your Health Department

Sometimes, your health inspector already knows of commissaries that allow vendors.

It never hurts to ask.

8. Go DIY – Build Your Own Commissary

If you’ve got a little space in your garage, backyard, or shed, you might be able to build your own commissary.

Helpful: Commissary At His House [Video]

Some states allow vendors to set up a small licensed kitchen at home.

Helpful: Can I Have A Commissary In A Different County? [With Video]

How to Build Your Own Commissary

I did this myself, and so have many other vendors.

Some states will let you set up a small commercial kitchen in your shed, garage, or basement.

It usually needs:

• A Three-Compartment Sink (Wash, Rinse, Sanitize)
• A Handwashing Sink
• A Floor Drain or Mop Sink (Some states require this)
• A Fridge/Freezer (If storing food)
• Proper Plumbing & Surfaces That Can Be Sanitized

Once you have it set up, your health inspector will come check it out, and BOOM—you have your own commissary.

Helpful: Your Cart Is a Mini Mobile Kitchen

And here’s the cool part: once you have a licensed commissary, you can rent space to other vendors and make extra money.

Helpful: Build Your Hot Dog Cart Commissary [with VIDEO]

How to Get a Commissary Letter

If you’re using someone else’s kitchen, you’ll need a commissary agreement letter.

I already have a free template for you!

Just go to:

➡ LearnHotDogs.com/commissary

Download the letter, fill it out, and get your commissary owner to sign it.

Done and done.

Common Commissary Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting Too Long to Find One

Don’t wait until you’re ready to get your permit to start looking for a commissary.

Get ahead of the game.

2. Paying Too Much for a Commissary

Some commissary kitchens charge ridiculous fees.

You should NOT be paying $500 a month for a commissary unless it comes with gold-plated pans and a personal chef.

3. Not Asking the Right People

Most vendors give up before they even ask.

Call restaurants, talk to churches, reach out to community centers—just ask!

You’d be surprised how many people will help you out.

Final Thoughts

Commissaries don’t have to be a deal-breaker.

With a little effort, you can find one, rent one, or even build your own.

If you’re serious about vending and want help from pro vendors who have already figured all this out, check out VendorsUnited.com.

It’s a private group where you get 24/7 access to experienced vendors who share tips, tricks, and insider knowledge.

I love you, and I hope this helps you get past the commissary hurdle so you can start making money.

See you next time!

Watch full VIDEO Here…