What to consider when renting a commercial kitchen in Dubai
Whether you’re just starting out with a new food concept or looking to expand an existing food business, deciding how to choose the best commercial kitchen for your needs can be overwhelming. In this article, we have compiled together an ULTIMATE CHECKLIST of 15 most important factors you should consider in the UAE to help choose an ideal commercial kitchen.
Let’s begin.
1. Location
All major cities in UAE, especially Dubai, have a large population distribution with various neighborhoods. Choose a kitchen that ideally has multiple locations across key areas that are conveniently located for your customers, suppliers, and distribution channels. Consider the communities you will be able to access, transportation options, and customer-product fit based on the area.
2. Size and Layout
The kitchen spaces should be spacious enough to accommodate your equipment, staff, and cooking needs. The layout should be organized and allow for efficient workflow to prevent congestion and bottlenecks, and cook large quantities of orders fast.
3. Equipment and Facilities
Always book a tour of the facilities before deciding to rent, so you can see first-hand how their current partners operate. Inspect the kitchen's equipment, appliances, and facilities. Ensure they are in good working condition and meet the specific needs of your cooking concepts. If you will bring some speciality equipment, check if it will fit in the space you are renting.
4. Cleanliness and Hygiene
UAE’s federal law standards regarding kitchen hygiene and food safety are quite high, so rest assured that all good commercial kitchen companies maintain a high standard of cleanliness. ****You can ask more about this, and enquire about cleaning schedules, pest control measures, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
5. Storage Space
Some food businesses may require more storage space than others, for example if they require a lot of novelty equipment, large ingredient list, or special packaging. Look into the storage situation in the space you are interested in renting.
6. Licensing and Permits
Verify with the commercial kitchens company that their kitchens have all the necessary licenses and permits required for your type of food cooking. This might include health permits, food handling permits, and fire safety certifications.
7. Utilities and Infrastructure
Confirm that the kitchen has reliable access to electricity, water, and gas. Test the utilities to ensure they work properly, and enquire whether the bills will be taken care of by the commercial kitchens owner or the food business tenant.
8. Garbage Disposal
Proper and regular waste disposal and recycling facilities are important for maintaining cleanliness, preventing bad odor, and adhering to environmental regulations. Ask about how frequently this is carried out by the company.
9. Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Air Quality
The weather in UAE can get to very high temperatures, especially in the summer. On top of this, commercial kitchens can generate a lot of heat, steam, and odors due to multiple clients cooking in the same building. Proper air conditioning and good ventilation is essential for maintaining a comfortable working environment for your staff.
10. Security
Look into the security measures in place, such as surveillance cameras, access control, alarm systems and any security guards to ensure the safety of your equipment.
11. Contract and Terms
Although there are many commercial kitchens in the UAE that seem to have good rates, the reality is that some contain hidden fees and commissions added on top of the base rate. Talk to the commercial kitchens manager and ask about the rental agreement carefully. Pay attention to monthly cost, commissions, minimum lease duration, payment terms, renewal options, and any penalties or additional fees.
12. Overall Flexibility
Some commercial kitchen companies like Express Kitchens are very flexible in their arrangements and do not require a minimum one year lease. They also allow more than one brand to operate out of one rented space. Benefits like this can be of great value to the food business and reduce overall costs and risks significantly.
13. References and Reviews
Take a look at the other brand partners operating out of the commercial kitchens you are interested in. Are there a large number of diverse food businesses operating out of the kitchens? If possible, speak to other businesses that have used the kitchen or check for reviews online. This can provide valuable insights into the kitchen's reputation and suitability for your needs.
14. Expertise, Support and Assistance
Does the kitchen offer consulting support and other assistance to the tenants? If so, this can be a major benefit especially for new business owners. The guidance and community provided through experience in the market is invaluable. Ask more about this on your tour visit to the facilities.
15. Future Growth
Finally, does the commercial kitchen company show promise of future growth? A great indicator is if they have more than 3 locations and are expanding into more. This can help build your foundation for future expansion and collaboration.
Conclusion
Renting a commercial kitchen is one of the most important decisions to make regarding your food business, so take your time to speak to the manager and understand each kitchen’s unique benefits. If you are interested in renting a kitchen space at Express Kitchens, contact us for more information at
+971 55 516 6216 and book a facilities tour today.
