Question 1

Can I come and see the kitchen before I sign up?

Accepted Answer

We don't offer in-person tours, but we do have a virtual tour of the kitchen you can watch right here — it covers the full space, all four prep stations, equipment, storage rooms, and more. If we see a good fit from your application we will invite to our kitchen for an interview - which gives you an opportunity to view the space.

If after watching the tour you'd like to ask specific questions before enquiring, feel free to get in touch.

Question 2

How quickly can I get started?

Accepted Answer

Accepted users can get up and running within a week of their first enquiry. Here's how it works: you enquire, we have an in person conversation to make sure we're a good fit for each other, you complete an induction (a few hours online, and then 30 mins in-person assessment), and then you're set up with access to our online booking system. From there, you book and manage your own sessions at any time.

Question 3

What do I need to have before I can hire the kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Before applying you'll need a registered business (ABN and business name), a current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (for at least one staff member), and appropriate public liability insurance to at least $20 million.

Getting an ABN is as simple as following this link through the ABR. Always ensure it is the Australian government website (ends in .gov.au) 
Getting a Food Safety Supervisor is a requirement for all food businesses in NSW. We recommend getting yours through an in-person provider like TCP Training, as the online courses tend to take more time in the long run (trust us). 
Getting Public Liability Insurance is a critical first step for protecting yourself and your business. Ensure you are getting a few quotes before paying for insurance to compare.

Sole traders with an ABN are welcome. You don't need to be a company structure or have a registered business name beyond your ABN to enquire.

Question 4

Can I use the FoodLab address to register my food business with the council?

Accepted Answer

Yes - our kitchen is registered with Strathfield Council and you can use our address as your registered kitchen, as long as this is your primary place of food production (i.e. where you're transforming or preparing your food). This is only to be done after your application has been accepted and you have completed your induction - we provide you with the instructions on how to notify council with ease.
If you also prepare or cook food at a market stall or another location, you'll need council approval in that area too — because you're transforming food there. However, if your food is fully packaged here and you're only selling (not preparing) at your market, you only need registration here. We help you work through this during your induction.

Question 5

Is the kitchen HACCP certified?

Accepted Answer

Our kitchen is registered by Strathfield Council, which means it meets the food safety standards required for commercial food production. We are not independently HACCP certified as an organisation — if your business requires a HACCP-certified facility specifically (for example, to supply major supermarket chains), our kitchen may not be suitable for you.

Commercial Kitchen Hire Sydney - FAQs

Can I come and see the kitchen before I sign up?

How quickly can I get started?

What do I need to have before I can hire the kitchen?

Can I use the FoodLab address to register my food business with the council?

Is the kitchen HACCP certified?