Getting Started in a Commercial Kitchen
What do you need to operate in a commercial kitchen?
- Business License
- Food manager or Food Handler’s Certification
- Insurance
Information and Links are provided below.
1. Complete online Application or Contact us to receive application
2. We will establish a service plan based on your business needs
3. Receive and Review service agreement.
4. Sign and submit along with a copy of food handlers, copy of insurance (naming Wonky Kitchen LLC as additional insured).
5. Once a member, you will receive an orientation on kitchen protocol.
6. Book tables and equipment thru our online reservation system
Food Handler’s Certification
California requires at least one employee of a food business holds and maintains a Food Safety Manager’s Certification, and that all people working in food preparation, storage or service have food handler’s certification.
Food handler’s certifications are offered by local County Health Department, or can be taken through a number of private education organizations. Recommend courses that are ANSI (American National Standards Institute) accredited.
The Alameda County Department of Environmental Health (ACDEH) offers a 6-hour instructor led class and an accredited food safety certification examination that fulfills this requirement. Alameda County Food Safety Course
ACDEH Registration 2023 English
ACDEH Registration 2023 Spanish
Additional list of course offerings is provided below.
Insurance
Food business product liability insurance can be secured through a number of insurance brokers.
We have listed options offering competitive pricing.
Request Insurance provider add Wonky Kitchen LLC, DBA The Prep Station as additionally insured under policy. It is free to have this done.
Provide us with a copy of policy with Wonky Kitchen LLC, DBA The Prep Station additionally insured under policy
FLIP Insurance
NEXT Insurance
Business Licensing: Federal, State and Local
The Prep Station is an incubator for food start-ups. We can provide information and guidance on various steps to formation, development and operation of a food business. Here is a list of items that may be required to start your food business.
- Business License
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) for IRS identity
- Fire Permit
- Food Handler’s Permit
- General Liability Insurance
- Health Department Certification
- Motor Vehicle Insurance for your food truck
- Seller’s Permit
- Vehicle License
- Zoning & Parking Permits
SCORE East Bay
SCORE East Bay Serving Alameda, Contra Costa & Solano Counties
Experienced Business Professionals Help You Succeed. SCORE East Bay offers FREE business mentoring in multiple languages, low-cost or no-cost business training, and numerous templates and tools to help you start or grow a business.
Federal and State
County and City
California Department of Health
Starting your Food Truck
Alameda County: Mobile Food Facility Info
Alameda County: MFF Guidelines (2013)
At The Prep Station, you join a community of Mobile food operators that can help you with information, advice and introductions. First Time Food Truck Owner
We assist with scheduling events, filing permits with city and county agencies. The primary goal is to build a network of businesses and event planners, connecting our food vendors to Alameda.
admin@theprepstation.com (925) 298-2558
Starting your Food Business
Licenses, permits and certifications are dependent on the type of food produced, type of sale (retail or farmers market) and type of business (caterer, product development, food truck, packaged foods).
California Dept Public Health, Food and Drug Info
Alameda County Environmental Health
Alameda County Permit: Caterers
Quick links
We Are Located At
The Prep Station-2400 Monarch Street-
Alameda, CA, 94501
Give us a call
