Shared Rental Kitchens: Rising Stars in the Food Economy

What Are Shared Kitchens?

Shared or “incubator” kitchens are licensed commercial spaces where multiple food entrepreneurs—chefs, bakers, caterers, food trucks—can rent fully-equipped kitchen facilities. Learn more

Why They’re a Game-Changer

1. Lower Barrier to Entry & Reduced Risk

Building a commercial kitchen can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $100,000. Shared kitchens let entrepreneurs bypass that, paying only for the time they need. Example from Food Corridor

2.  Boosting Local Economies

A USDA-backed survey of 180 shared-kitchen users showed half started in the last five years, and over 50% said their main goal was supporting early-growth businesses

3. Flexible & Sustainable Infrastructure

During economic slowdowns, shared kitchens can pivot: offer tech-enabled booking, foster supplier partnerships, and link with local food systems

The Broader Impact

·       Community Building: Shared kitchens foster collaboration and peer learning—50% of incubators cater to women and 28% to minority entrepreneurs.

·       Local Food Systems: They often work directly with farmers and co‑ops, boosting local sourcing and sustainability.

·       Urban Revitalization: Repurposing underused spaces creates jobs and energizes neighborhoods.

MSP Kitchenery: MSP’s Premier Shared Kitchen Solution

Founded in 2019 when culinary entrepreneur Nikkolette Krumheuer turned her own kitchen rental struggles into opportunity, MSP Kitchenery now operates three state-of-the-art commercial kitchens—Plymouth (2018), St. Paul (2022), and Hopkins (2023)—and offers 24/7 access, online booking, and top-tier equipment.

What Sets Them Apart

·       Fully equipped & turnkey – Convection ovens, Hobart mixers, walk-in coolers/freezers, prep sinks, and more.

·       Flexibility & affordability – Rent by the hour, day, week, or on long-term contracts. No minimums or fixed fees.

·       On-site support – Clean towels, gloves, sanitizers, camera-monitored 24/7 access, and cleaning services included.

·       Community & collaboration – Kitchen events, networking, and a collaborative environment help foodpreneurs thrive.

Economic and Community Impact

·       Cost control: Entrepreneurs pay only for what they use—no fixed overheads—empowering them to scale at their own pace.

·       Access to top-tier tools: Having high-quality equipment without owning it keeps the barrier to professional production low.

·       Supportive network: MSP Kitchenery fosters a sense of community—new business owners gain support, feedback, and collaboration opportunities.

·       Platform for growth: The kitchens act as hubs for packaging, prepping, and launching culinary products, helping food businesses reach new markets and test consumer demand.

Why MSP Kitchenery Matters to the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area

·       Drives economic diversity: By lowering initial investment requirements, MSP Kitchenery ramps up diversity in the food sector and nurtures businesses.

·       Supports local supply chains: With on-site storage and commercial equipment, entrepreneurs can source locally and strengthen the Twin Cities food ecosystem.

·       Responsive infrastructure: In fluctuating economic climates, MSP’s flexible options by the hour or month keep businesses resilient in changing conditions.

Final Takeaway

Shared rental kitchens are more than just rentable spaces—they're essential engines for local economic growth, entrepreneurship, and community vitality. MSP Kitchenery exemplifies this model in Minneapolis–St. Paul by offering flexibility, professional resources, and a supportive environment tailored to foodpreneurs.

If you're a Minneapolis food entrepreneur looking to grow with lower investment risk and access to pro-grade facilities, MSP Kitchenery offers the infrastructure, mentorship, and community you need to cook up success.

Learn more about kitchen options, pricing, and how to join the MSP Kitchenery community. Contact them for a tour or a customized plan—and start scaling your culinary dream today!

Visit MSP Kitchenery