How do I start a food business in Oakland?

1. Determine what type of food business you intend to open and research relevant regulations (i.e. some foods require special health safety equipment in kitchens).

2. Identify a suitable location to open your food business (preparing food and catering from a ghost kitchen also requires a permit).

3. Contact the Alameda County Department of Health to obtain a food business permit.

4. Secure necessary business licenses and permits from the City of Oakland.

5. If you plan to sell alcohol, apply for a business license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

6. Obtain necessary inspection certificates from the health department.

What is a commissary kitchen?

A commissary kitchen is a licensed, fully equipped commercial kitchen that food businesses rent to prepare, store, and package food. Commissaries are commonly used by food trucks, caterers, cottage food operators, and delivery-only brands who need a permitted base of operations without the cost of building out their own space. In California, most mobile food vendors are required by law to operate out of a licensed commissary.

Commercial kitchen vs. commissary kitchen: what's the difference?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there's a subtle distinction. A commercial kitchen is any professional-grade kitchen used for food production. A commissary kitchen specifically refers to a shared or rentable facility that serves as the permitted home base for mobile or off-site food operations. Our kitchen functions as both — a full commercial kitchen available for lease and a licensed commissary for food trucks and caterers operating in Oakland and the East Bay.

Who uses a commercial kitchen or commissary?

Our kitchen at 2818 MacArthur Blvd has served a wide range of food businesses, including:

  • Food trucks and mobile vendors requiring a licensed commissary agreement

  • Ghost kitchens and delivery-only restaurant concepts

  • Catering companies needing a high-volume prep space

  • Meal prep and meal kit businesses

  • Food product startups and CPG brands doing R&D or small-batch production

  • Pop-up restaurants and supper clubs

Do I need a commissary agreement for my food truck in Oakland?

Yes. Alameda County Environmental Health requires all mobile food facilities to operate out of a licensed commissary. Your commissary must be an approved food facility where your truck is stored, cleaned, and where food is prepared or stored.

What is a ghost kitchen?

A ghost kitchen is a type of restaurant with no dine-in area. Ghost kitchens are also known as virtual or dark kitchens, and they provide delivery or takeout service for customers. Ghost kitchens are becoming increasingly popular in the food industry as a way to provide food services with limited overhead costs.

Top 3 reasons to start your food business in a ghost kitchen

  1. Lower Overhead Costs: Ghost kitchens require less capital and can be set up in existing commercial kitchen space, significantly reducing overhead costs such as rent, utilities, and maintenance.

  2. Flexibility: Ghost kitchens offer greater flexibility in terms of menu, labor and marketing strategies. Expansion and reduction of menu items is much easier and more cost-efficient than a traditional restaurant.

  3. Customization: Because of the virtual aspect, ghost kitchens are able to provide more customization and personalization for individual customers.