Commissary Kitchen Near Me in Pinellas County | Florida Chefs Workshop
- Florida Chefs Workshop
- Aug 5
- 7 min read
If you’re a food entrepreneur, caterer, baker, or food truck owner in Pinellas County, you’ve probably Googled something like “commissary kitchen near me” more than once. And for good reason — finding the right shared commercial kitchen can be the difference between thriving and just getting by in this competitive culinary scene.
A commissary kitchen is a licensed, shared-use commercial kitchen space that food businesses rent to prepare, cook, store, and package their products in compliance with health and safety regulations.
From St. Petersburg’s bustling downtown to the busy streets of Clearwater and Largo, Pinellas County is a hotspot for food lovers and food makers alike. But with so many options (and so many factors to consider), knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve created your complete guide — answering everything from what a commissary kitchen is, to how much it costs in Pinellas, to how to choose the perfect space for your business. Whether you’re launching a startup bakery, scaling your catering company, or prepping your food truck menu for a busy season, this guide will help you find the right kitchen to call home. 🍳🚚
What is a Commissary Kitchen?
A commissary kitchen is a licensed, fully equipped commercial kitchen that food businesses rent on a monthly basis to prepare, cook, store, and package their products while meeting all health and safety regulations.
At Florida Chefs Workshop in St. Petersburg, we’ve built a space designed for serious food entrepreneurs — whether you’re a caterer, baker, food truck owner, or packaged food producer. Our commissary kitchen comes equipped with:
A commercial-grade, natural gas cooking line featuring six convection ovens, two conventional ovens, ten burners, and an open grille for searing and grilling.
A 30-quart floor mixer for high-volume baking and dough preparation.
Ample refrigeration and freezer space for bulk ingredients and finished products.
Dry storage for packaging and non-perishables.
Sanitation stations and waste disposal systems that meet all code requirements.
For food trucks and mobile vendors, our kitchen can serve as your home base — a place to prep, store, and operate in compliance with local laws. For caterers, bakers, and small-batch producers, it’s a space where creativity meets compliance, backed by a community of culinary professionals who share the same passion for quality and growth. 🚀🍴
Why Pinellas County is a Hotspot for Food Entrepreneurs
Pinellas County isn’t just a great place to live — it’s a thriving hub for food businesses. With year-round tourism, a booming local foodie scene, and easy access to markets across the Tampa Bay area, it’s the perfect environment for launching and growing a culinary venture.
St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Largo offer a unique blend of locals who love to support small businesses and visitors eager to try something new. From bustling farmers’ markets to vibrant food truck rallies, opportunities for food entrepreneurs are everywhere.
That’s where Florida Chefs Workshop comes in. Our St. Petersburg location puts you in the heart of Pinellas County, with quick access to major roads for easy deliveries, event catering, and food truck routes. Our kitchen is designed to help you meet the demand — whether you’re:
Prepping hundreds of portions for a catering job in Clearwater.
Stocking your food truck before a weekend festival in Dunedin.
Baking artisan breads and pastries for a Saturday market in Gulfport.
When you work from our commissary kitchen, you’re not just renting space — you’re setting yourself up in one of Florida’s most dynamic food markets, with a facility built to help you scale.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Commercial Kitchen in Pinellas County?
At Florida Chefs Workshop in St. Petersburg, monthly rental packages start at just $50 per month for our Food Truck Commissary-Only plan and range up to $1,360 for our Platinum Level — giving you flexible, scalable options based on your kitchen time and business needs.
Our membership levels include:
Food Truck – Commissary Only – $50/month ($450/year). Includes gray water dump, potable water fill, and access to our three-compartment sinks for washing.
Food Truck Plan – 6+ hours/month for $150 ($25/hr). Includes reservable kitchen time.
Bronze Level – 8+ hours/month for $200 ($25/hr). Includes reservable kitchen time.
Silver Level – 20+ hours/month for $440 ($22/hr). Includes reservable kitchen time.
Gold Level – 60+ hours/month for $1,140 ($19/hr). Includes reservable kitchen time.
Platinum Level – 80+ hours/month for $1,360 ($17/hr). Includes reservable kitchen time.
Every plan with kitchen access includes use of our fully licensed, natural gas cooking line — six convection ovens, two conventional ovens, ten burners, and an open grille — plus our 30-quart floor mixer, speed racks, sheet trays, pots, pans, and utensils, and sanitation stations. Dry storage and refrigeration/freezer space are available to rent for an upgraded fee, giving you flexibility to choose exactly what your business needs without the expense of outfitting your own facility.
One of the biggest advantages of renting from Florida Chefs Workshop is that our monthly packages are scalable — you can adjust your plan up or down from month to month based on your business volume. This flexibility is especially valuable in Florida’s seasonal food business climate, where demand can shift quickly between the busy tourist season and slower off-season months.
Whether you’re launching your first food truck, expanding a catering business, producing fresh-baked goods, or running a meal prep company in Pinellas County, our pricing model keeps your costs predictable and your kitchen time consistent — while giving you the freedom to scale when you need it most.
Requirements for Renting at Florida Chefs Workshop
To ensure our kitchen operates at the highest level of safety, compliance, and professionalism, we have a few key requirements for all members. Meeting these ensures you can start cooking with confidence — and without delays.
Valid Food Manager’s Certificate – This state-approved certification demonstrates that you (or a designated team member) have the knowledge and skills to handle food safely.
Current Food Permit or License – Either:
A Food Permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture, or
A Food Service License from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Proof of Liability Insurance – Minimum coverage of $1,000,000, with Florida Chefs Workshop, LLC listed as an additional insured.
Signed Agreements – Both the Kitchen License Agreement and our Policies and Procedures must be reviewed, signed, and on file.
Completed Client Application – Along with a Kitchen Personnel List for your team.
Security Deposit – A $250 security deposit is required to get started, with $50 of that serving as a non-refundable administrative fee.
💡 Need Help Getting Started? We know navigating permits, certifications, and insurance can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re launching your first food business. That’s why we guide every new member through the process, from helping you connect with approved Food Manager Certification providers to assisting with your licensing paperwork through our kitchen.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn how easy it is to get up and running at Florida Chefs Workshop — www.floridachefsworkshop.com.
Where to Find Commissary Kitchens Near You in Pinellas County
When you search “commissary kitchen near me” in Pinellas County, you’ll find a handful of options — but not all kitchens are created equal. The right choice depends on location, equipment, flexibility, and community.
Florida Chefs Workshop is centrally located in St. Petersburg, giving food entrepreneurs quick access to major roads for easy deliveries, event catering, and food truck routes throughout Clearwater, Largo, Gulfport, and the greater Tampa Bay area. This location advantage means less time on the road and more time creating in the kitchen.
And while other commissary kitchens may offer basic workspace, Florida Chefs Workshop gives you:
A fully licensed, natural gas cooking line — six convection ovens, two conventional ovens, ten burners, and an open grille.
30-quart floor mixer, speed racks, sheet trays, pots, pans, and utensils included in your plan.
Optional dry storage and refrigeration/freezer space for an upgraded fee.
Flexible, scalable monthly packages to match seasonal demand.
A supportive culinary community — from food trucks and caterers to bakers and meal prep companies — ready to share ideas, resources, and opportunities.
Our reputation speaks for itself — with nearly seven years in business and a 4.8-star rating on Google, our clients consistently highlight our state-of-the-art facilities, supportive staff, and ideal location. One recent review summed it up perfectly:
“An easy, convenient place to prep and cook for my business. The staff is helpful, and the kitchen has everything I need.”
Whether you’re prepping for a weekend market in Gulfport, a catering job in Clearwater Beach, or a big food truck rally in Dunedin, Florida Chefs Workshop gives you the professional, fully equipped space you need — right in the heart of Pinellas County.
📍 Schedule your tour today at www.floridachefsworkshop.com and see why so many local food businesses call us their kitchen home.
Conclusion: Your Kitchen, Your Success
In the fast-paced world of food service, your workspace matters. Whether you’re a food truck owner prepping for a busy weekend, a caterer booking back-to-back events, a baker filling wholesale orders, or a meal prep company scaling up, having a professional, fully licensed, and well-equipped kitchen gives you the freedom to focus on what you do best — making incredible food.
At Florida Chefs Workshop, we’ve combined state-of-the-art equipment, flexible monthly packages, and a prime St. Petersburg location to give food entrepreneurs across Pinellas County the tools and support they need to thrive. And with nearly seven years in business and a 4.8-star rating on Google, our clients agree — we’re more than just a kitchen, we’re a partner in your success.
So whether your busy season is right around the corner or you’re finally ready to launch your dream food business, we’re here to help you make it happen.
🚀 Let’s get cooking. Schedule your tour today at www.floridachefsworkshop.com or call us to learn more about joining our culinary community.
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