License Overview 

A shared kitchen is a single facility that leases space to multiple businesses for food related purposes including preparation, temporary extra production capacity, menu planning, training, taste testing, product development, or food packaging. There are three associated licenses:

• Shared kitchen facilities must have a Shared Kitchen Operator license.
• Establishments that already have a Retail Food Establishment license (for example, a restaurant) and that lease kitchen space to multiple businesses for food related purposes must obtain a Shared Kitchen-Supplemental license.
• Any person who uses a shared Kitchen must obtain a Shared Kitchen User License. User licenses are either Long-Term (2-years) or Short-Term (up to 90 days).

Application and document requirements vary by the shared kitchen license type.

Related Licenses

• A Liquor License is required to serve liquor.
• The mobile sale of food requires a Mobile Food License.
• Shared Kitchen Operator and Supplemental licensees can host Pop Up Food Establishment Users.
• Shared Kitchen Users conducting wholesale activities must obtain a State of Illinois Wholesale license, undergo the associated State inspection, and then meet with the Chicago Department of Public Health, Food Protection Division for a consultation prior to the wholesale designation being added to their City license.

Application Requirements 

• All applicants must undergo a consultation with the Chicago Department of Public Health, Food Protection Division to review equipment, sanitation, and required documents.
• Shared Kitchen Operators: An inspection of Shared Kitchen premises will be conducted by the Chicago Department of Public Health.
• A debt check will be conducted as part of the application process. All City debt must be resolved for the license to be issued.

Required Documents 

• Documents required to identify the business depend on the business legal entity type. For more information, see the Required Documents
• Shared Kitchen Operator: Lease or proof of property ownership, labeled drawing of the layout of the shared kitchen including all kitchen equipment, full menu listing all items intended to be handled, City of Chicago Food Service Manager Certificate or recent proof of reciprocity, pest control service report, and a commercial refuse/ garbage disposal contract.
• Shared Kitchen Supplemental: Lease or proof of property ownership, full labeled drawing of the layout of the retail operation and the shared kitchen space including all kitchen equipment, full menu listing all items intended to be handled, City of Chicago Food Service Manager Certificate or recent proof of reciprocity.
• Shared Kitchen User: Signed letter of intent from the Shared Kitchen dated within last 30 days, labeled drawing of the layout of the shared kitchen including all kitchen equipment, full menu listing all items intended to be handled, and City of Chicago Food Service Manager Certificate or recent proof of reciprocity.
• Additional documents may be required by the Chicago Department of Public Health, Food Protection Division.

License Application Steps 

• Submit initial business information in person or online
• Receive zoning approval from the City (Shared Kitchen Operators)
• Complete and submit a full license application
• Make payment for the license
• Applicants will undergo a consultation with the Chicago Department of Public Health, Food Protection Division to review equipment, sanitation, and required documents. For questions regarding the consultation following the submission of a full license application, email cdphfoodreview@cityofchicago.org.
• Undergo a City debt check. All City debt must be resolved for the license to be issued.
• Undergo inspections from the Chicago Department of Public Health, Food Protection Division. To request an inspection following license payment, email food@cityofchicago.org.
• Shared Kitchen Operators and Supplemental licensees will receive a paper license certificate once all requirements are met.
• Shared Kitchen Users will receive paperwork for a Shared Kitchen User badge, and must obtain a badge at the City Clerk’s office at City Hall, 121 N LaSalle St, Room 107.

Cost 

$660      Shared Kitchen Operator license

$330      Shared Kitchen-Supplemental (for establishments that already have a Retail Food Establishment license)

$330      Shared Kitchen Long-Term User (2-years)

$75        Shared Kitchen Short-Term User (90 days)

How to Apply 

In person: Visit the Small Business Center Visit Us webpage for wait times, location, and hours of operation.

Online: Visit the online business license application system.

Operating Requirements 

• Licensees must conform to the menu approved by the Chicago Department of Public Health, have on site a person who holds a current sanitation certificate, keep records as required by City Ordinance, and comply with all other Code provisions.
• Shared Kitchen Operators must keep records as required by City Ordinance, ensure that all Shared Kitchen Users on premises are licensed, and comply with all other Code provisions.

Renewal Requirements 

Shared Kitchen Operator, Supplement, and Shared Kitchen Long-Term User licenses are issued for a period of two years and must be renewed prior to expiration. For renewal information, see the Renewal page.

Shared Kitchen User renewals must provide a signed letter of intent from the Shared Kitchen dated within last 30 days, full menu listing all items intended to be handled, and a floor plan illustrating layout of rooms, all equipment, food preparation areas, and food storage areas. Other documents as may be required by the Chicago Department of Public Health. For questions regarding required health documents, email food@cityofchicago.org.

Shared Kitchen Short-Term User licenses issued for 90 days are not renewable.

Resources 

For questions, call 312-74-GOBIZ (744-6249) or email businesslicense@cityofchicago.org

Shared Kitchen Flier

Shared Kitchen Webinar