Find Industrial Kitchen spaces to rent in Chicago, IL

About Chicago

Whether you call it “The Windy City,” “Chi-Town,” or “The City That Works,” Chicago remains an innovative city. It is the third largest city in the country, known for its diverse array of neighborhoods, culture, architecture, and food. Chicago is a global hub for business and finance, with a reported 73 breweries and at least 7,300 dining establishments found within the city limits.

The Windy City is the setting of 40 annual film festivals, and Chicago also houses 225 music venues. Not to forget that it is also the birthplace of one of the most delicious treats. Jimmy Dewar, a bakery manager at the Continental Baking Company, invented the snack cakes in 1930.

It doesn’t take much to see that Chi-Town is a wonderful place to host a food-centric event. With a production or food-based event lined up, consider renting one of Chicago’s industrial kitchen spaces.

Industrial Kitchen Options in Chicago

• Professional Chefs
  Perhaps you are hosting a large-scale cooking event and need someone to take the lead or to collaborate with; the professional chefs in Chicago can assist. Given that food is their primary business, these culinary experts can masterfully guide sessions with eager learners who want to understand more about various cooking processes.
  
  
• Cleaning
  Industrial kitchen spaces typically require specialized cleaning equipment and techniques. Leave the job to the cleaning companies in Chicago who are sure to restore the space to a spick and span form with a fast turnaround.
  
  
• Staffing
  It could be that you are renting out a commercial kitchen for your food startup. In this case, you will need the expertise of a team of professionals to assist with various aspects of your event. From food preparation and service to event management, the staffing agencies in Chicago can connect you with the right professionals.
  
  
• Equipment Rental
  Rental companies in Chicago have inventories of equipment available, ranging from stovetops and ovens to food warmers and serving utensils. It is also possible to rent dishwashing machines, refrigerators, and other large appliances. It is essential to check with the venue to see what equipment is available for rent and the cost.
  
  
• Photography
  Whether your entire event is a scheduled photoshoot to take marketing photos or a product demonstration; your event will benefit significantly from the services of a professional photographer in Chicago. The shutterbug can take professional product images for your website, food pictures for marketing materials, or also document the occasion.

Industrial Kitchen Vendors in Chicago

• Naveen's Cuisine
  For delicious Indian and Thai food or a fun cooking experience, contact Naveen's Cuisine. Classes are taught by chef/owner Naveen, who creatively brings his years of experience as a software consultant to the kitchen. They also cater to corporate team-building events, bachelorette parties, birthday parties, bridal showers, and engagement parties.
  
  
• Bake
  Bake is a Chicago-based cupcake on-a-plate business, run by husband-and-wife team Karen Kane and Eric Estrella. They've worked in luxury hotels, bakeries, and restaurants throughout the United States for more than three decades, learning about creating delectable desserts. Their objective is clear: to provide great traditional American sweets using only the freshest, seasonable ingredients accessible.
  
  
• House of Rental
  House of Rental has been in business for over three decades, and its commitment to excellence is evident in everything they do. They offer table rentals, linens, chairs, inflatables, canopies, easy-up tents, and more! Their professional and knowledgeable team is always on hand to help you find exactly what you need.

Pros and Cons of Industrial Kitchen Spaces in Chicago

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to rent an industrial kitchen space in Chicago. The following is a list of pros and cons that may help you make the final decision:

Advantages

• Chicago has a reliable transit network, and that gives you a bit of room to select an industrial kitchen venue anywhere in the city.
  
  
• Chi-Town is an easy city to navigate, and you don’t have to worry about guests or clients finding it hard to locate your chosen industrial kitchen location.
  
  
• The Windy City is also known for its culinary diversity, and it is expected that when you are hosting a kitchen-based event, the menu should take the same direction.

Disadvantages

• The city has the worst traffic, and it is something to keep in mind when choosing an industrial kitchen location in Chicago.
  
  
• Parking is another problem you will have to deal with in Chi-Town, and the way around it is to select a venue that offers ample parking.
  
  
• The city’s bone-chilling winters come with heavy winds and snowfalls. Let the weather conditions guide your venue selection process, so the space is accessible and comfortable for the guests.

Tips on How to Organize Industrial Kitchen Spaces in Chicago

Working with a rented industrial kitchen space for a limited time requires you to stay organized. Here are a few tips on how to organize and make the most out of your industrial kitchen space in Chicago:

• Keep things tidy: A messy kitchen is a dangerous space. Make sure to wipe down surfaces, sweep the floors, and declutter counters and shelves. This will help to prevent accidents and make it easier to find what you need.
  
  
• Color code: Use different colored storage containers or bins. For example, yellow could be for dry goods, blue for dairy, and green for produce. This will help you to quickly identify where everything is stored and keep the kitchen running smoothly.
  
  
• Invest in storage solutions: Industrial kitchens can be tight on space. Invest in storage solutions that make the most of the available space. Wall-mounted shelves and racks are a great way to keep things off the floor and within easy reach.
  
  
• Label everything: This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's essential to label all storage containers, drawers, and cabinets. It helps everyone know exactly where things are supposed to go and makes it easier to put items away after use.
  
  
• Make a schedule: Having a cleaning schedule keeps the kitchen running like a well-oiled machine. Assign specific tasks to specific days or shifts and ensure everyone knows their responsibilities.

Famous Locations in Chicago

• Green City Market
  The Green City Market has been a Chicago staple for over 20 years and shows no signs of slowing down. What started as a modest row of vendors has grown into a bustling Saturday market, with 55 vendors and hundreds of shoppers. The market is best known for its prepared food stands, featuring local favorites like Gayle V's Best Ever Grilled Cheese, Cookies, and Carnitas. On sunny days, the market is packed with families picnicking on the grass with their dogs.
  
  
• Logan Square Farmers Market
  The Logan Square Farmers Market is one of Chicago's best places to find fresh produce. Farmers from all over the Midwest come to sell their wares every Sunday. You can find everything from apples to zucchini, and the prices are very reasonable. There are also vendors selling artisan goods like jewelry and pottery. And if you're feeling peckish, most of the dishes are cooked to order. Free events like yoga and Pilates make visits to the market even more fun.
  
  
• Randolph Street Market
  The Randolph Street Market is a popular stop for buyers and browsers looking for something different. Unlike most marketplaces, there is a small charge for kids 12 years old and older to enter the market; nevertheless, it is well worth the money because there is so much to explore and do. Several vendors sell everything from high-end goods and collectibles to unusual décor, second-hand clothing, home furnishings, and sterling silver jewelry. The market also has an array of fresh food and drink vendors and talented live musicians playing throughout the market.