It is likely that you have heard of coworking and understand the concept of this type of work. But do you know what cookworking is? The concept of shared kitchen spaces or cookworking, as it is also known, is an idea that has been evolving in the last decade.
Here we tell you what it is and how you can take advantage of this new form of collaborative work for the development of your gastronomic project.
What is cookworking or shared kitchen spaces
The shared kitchen space, or cookworking, is a new concept of coworking brought to the culinary world. There are many entrepreneurs and chefs who have great talent, but do not have the infrastructure or equipment to run their business. This is probably your case too.
Responding to this need, spaces are born where kitchen professionals can develop their business and collaborate with each other without the financial and logistical burden of having to install their own kitchen.
In simple terms, these are industrial kitchens with all the necessary conditions and permits that can be rented (individually or collectively) to chefs and companies that want to develop their culinary business.
What does such a kitchen offer?
The services provided by shared kitchens are specially designed for entrepreneurs and companies already established in the culinary business. The idea is to facilitate creative processes with spaces according to the needs of its users, including yours.
Among the services that you can receive in a cookworking space are:
- Storage: You don’t need to carry all your ingredients every time you need to cook. Your contract includes storage spaces for dry, frozen or refrigerated ingredients.
- Kitchen utensils: they have all the basics for preparing your food. Cutlery, trays, bowls, containers and bowls of various capacities are part of the extensive list of tools that are at your disposal.
- Electrical equipment: unless you require something specialized, here you will find the basic equipment.
- Sufficient ovens, grills, fryers and stoves for the production of large amounts of food.
In general, your contract describes in detail everything that will be available to you for the duration of your rental.
Why cookworking is your best alternative
The mere fact that you have to stop worrying about more than half of the details that go into running a kitchen should be enough to make you think more about cookworking. But that’s not all, pay attention to the following advantages that you would have if you choose this work option:
- You have the opportunity to experiment in your business with minimal risk. You may not yet know if cooking is definitely your thing; so test for a while before making a long-term investment.
- You can breathe financially as you grow. If you don’t have to invest in infrastructure or equipment, you avoid the financial pressure of a mortgage or long-term rent to pay.
- You just have to take care of what you are passionate about Cooking! Because the company that owns the kitchen takes care of the rest. Cleaning, equipment provision, maintenance, tax payments and many other details that can be cumbersome if you are starting your business.
- Your secrets and tricks are safe. Although you work in common areas, you also have private spaces so you can put into practice your secrets, techniques and tricks that you don’t want to share.
- It is the best environment to grow professionally. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner chef, working collaboratively with others allows you to learn and hone your craft. The interaction between professionals creates an environment conducive to improving and staying motivated.
A couple of additional things you should know…
Finally, there are two things you should keep in mind if you have already decided to experiment with cookworking to ensure that you do not have any problems during the hiring and use of the kitchen.
- The contractor must be certified as a Food Safety Manager and must always be present during food preparation.
- Both you and your work team must strictly comply with hygiene and food handling protocols, remember that cross-contamination and the spread of diseases caused by poor food handling must be avoided at all costs.
Do not hesitate to seek advice and find the best shared work environment. There are always options that suit your needs and your budget.
