About Chicago
As the third most populous city in America, Chicago is unsurprisingly huge. Midwest residents know it as the largest city in the region and those who have visited or plan to visit appreciate its lakeside location. However, what most people don't know about Chicago are its frigid winters and scorching summers!
The metropolis also houses various industries - from finance and construction to technology and medical care - giving rise to numerous content production studios. It's also a popular destination for high-power business meetings and diverse social events, thanks to its central location and world-class facilities.
Commercial kitchen spaces in Chicago are in high demand due to the city's booming food industry. Chicago is home to some of the country's top restaurants and a growing number of food startups. Commercial kitchen spaces provide food businesses with the professional equipment and facilities they need to thrive.
Commercial Kitchen Options in Chicago
- Interior Designer
Lists of options exist when dressing up a commercial kitchen space in Chicago. From vintage-style sets to more modern and contemporary designs, work with an interior designer to dress up the chosen space in a way that reflects your brand's aesthetic and theme.
- Transportation
Several companies in Chicago offer transportation services to help make deliveries and pickups easier. This can be especially helpful if you are running a kitchen business that delivers large quantities of food from one location to another.
- Equipment Rentals
Equipment rental companies in Chicago stock diverse products that can get commercial kitchens running. This includes ovens and stoves, dishwashers and refrigeration units, counters, and more.
- Event Planners
Need help organizing your upcoming event in a commercial kitchen space? Lists of event planners in Chicago are a phone call away. They will take care of all the details for you, allowing you to focus on cooking delicious dishes.
Commercial Kitchen Vendors in Chicago
- DontStand4LessParty
DontStand4LessParty is a rental business that operates with the notion that great things come in all different sizes. So whether you want to host a little get-together or a grand event, they have the party supplies and decorations you need to make your vision come alive. They've covered all the basics, from tables and chairs to linens and centerpieces. And if you want extra fun for your guests, they also offer bounce houses, tents, canopies, and sound systems.
- Gracie's Petals
Gracie's Petals is a small, woman-owned business that provides fresh flowers for all your special occasions. The business serves the DuPage area with deliveries of floral arrangements, candles, gnomes, and unique gifts. Gracie's Petals guarantees quick customer service by offering same-day delivery services from Monday to Saturday when orders are placed by noon.
- Chef Katie Simmons
Chef Katie Simmons is a classically trained chef and the owner of The Nourishing Gourmet. She offers healthy, delicious meal delivery with a focus on tailoring her services to her client's dietary needs. In addition to her meal delivery service, she also offers private in-home cooking classes and special events catering.
Pros and Cons of Commercial Kitchen Spaces in Chicago
Renting out commercial kitchen space in Chicago provides a list of benefits for food businesses. For starters, it offers culinary experts access to facilities and equipment without incurring the upfront costs associated with setting up a kitchen. Have the following in mind when searching for a commercial kitchen location:
Advantages
- Commercial kitchen spaces in Chicago provide access to professional, up-to-date equipment and facilities that would not be available otherwise.
- They typically require less initial investment than starting from scratch, as all the necessary equipment is provided.
- Renting a commercial kitchen space allows businesses to save on overhead costs such as rent and utilities.
- Businesses can tap into a network of like-minded business professionals and vendors, making it easier to find partners for collaborations or help with new ideas.
Disadvantages
- Depending on the provider, some commercial kitchen spaces may have limited space and equipment.
- Most commercial kitchen spaces have strict rules and regulations that must be followed to stay compliant.
- They may also require businesses to purchase additional insurance or adhere to specific health and safety standards.
- Depending on the location, there could be high competition for space from other businesses in the area, making it difficult to secure a spot.
Tips on How to Organize Commercial Kitchen Events in Chicago
Organizing a commercial kitchen event is both an exciting and challenging process. Here are some tips to help you put together a successful event:
- Choose the Right Venue: Find a suitable space that aligns with the goals and needs of your event. There are selections of commercial kitchens in Chicago, and you should dedicate enough time to researching what each has to offer and ultimately figuring out what option works for your event.
- Book Early: Advanced bookings ensure that you have the kitchen space reserved for your event and that all the necessary preparations can be made early enough.
- Create a Menu: The menu is one of the most important aspects of any commercial kitchen event. Work with a professional chef to create a menu that will tantalize your guests' taste buds and leave them wanting more.
- Hire Staff: Depending on the size and scope of your event, you may need to hire additional staff to help with food preparation and serving. Work with experienced and reliable professionals who can stay calm under pressure and deliver excellent service.
- Promote your Event: Once all the logistics are in place, promote your event. Use social media, word-of-mouth, and traditional advertising methods to inform people about your upcoming kitchen function.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Carbide and Carbon Building
The Carbide and Carbon Building in Chicago is a landmark skyscraper built in 1929. Designed by architect Herman Weinberg, the building was originally home to the Carbide & Carbon Chemical Company. The building's unique green-hued terracotta exterior has made it a famous filming location for movies and TV shows set in Chicago. The Carbide and Carbon Building is notable for its Art Deco interior, which includes a grand marble lobby and brass elevator doors. Today, the building is used as office space and is home to several businesses, including a law firm and an advertising agency.
- Chicago Board of Trade Building
The Chicago Board of Trade Building is one of the most iconic structures found in the Windy City. Standing at 141 meters, it is the tallest building in the world solely dedicated to commodities trading. Completed in 1930, the Art Deco-style building was designed by architects Holabird & Root. It is home to the world's largest trading floor, which covers an area of 4,200 square meters. The base is divided into two sections, one devoted to agricultural commodities and the other to financial futures. In addition to its impressive trading floor, the building also features a beautiful lobby with marble walls and an ornate ceiling.
- Lake Point Tower
Lake Point Tower is a residential building located in Chicago, Illinois. The building is notable for its triangular shape and its location on the shores of Lake Michigan. Designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg, it was constructed between 1968 and 1970. It is one of the few high-rise buildings in Chicago that is not located in the Loop. The building houses apartments and condominiums, including amenities such as a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a health club. The building's distinctive shape has made it a popular subject for photographers and artists.