Oh my gosh, I have now found a commercial kitchen to rent and they have accepted my proposal.
The kitchen is actually in a small, private school. They no longer use the kitchen but it is inspected and can be inspected in my name. They have all the equipment except cake pans but hey, for 30 years, I have PLENTY of pans.
To start, I am only using the kitchen 3 evenings a week (Wed, Thurs, Fri 6-10:00 and possibly 1/2 day on Sat) for $400 a month. We will reassess in 6 months to make sure they are getting what they need to cover the increase in utilities.
I will still work only on referrals and no walk-in traffic but that is just how I want it for now. Don't want to quit my day job as a physical therapist assistant. It took me getting fined by the city to really get on the ball. AND it took 6 1/2 months to find this place but I actually used to help the chef there when they had one. And have done ALOT of baking for most of the Board members.
Wish me luck, I am calling the Health Dept today about all the permits that I will need. YAY!!!!!!!!!
that is great news, and hope for everyone else who's looking for a kitchen to rent. You'll have to update us as to how its working for you.
Congrats!!
yay!!! congrats! i am in the process of doing this as well!
That sounds really exciting! You WILL have to keep us update on how everything goes...so sorry you got fined though! Good luck! 
Congratulations! That is so encouraging. I am an Occupational Therapy Assist. and just started Cake Decorating but, absolutely love it. I am debating about starting a side business as I only work part-time. You are definately an inspiration!!! Good Luck!! 
congrats! I have been trying to figure the logistics of doing this myself and you have gave me more ideas of places to search. Keep us posted on how everything works for you. Are you able to keep and store your supplies and finished cakes at that kitchen? Does anyone else use the kitchen when you are not?
Tomoore--
I'm not ignoring your question...I had it all typed out and submitted then the CC crash happened and I haven't had time to retype. Hopefully in the next few days I will have time.
So much to do, called city, have to go by and start the process of getting proper certificates, licenses, call insurance people, call CPA, contact attorney...whew--I'm tired just thinking about it.
That is wonderful especially if they don't go up on the rent......you are in business now!!!!
Wow Mac...this is GREAT news! It sounds almost like the situation I was in when I had my cookie business. Except...the rent was a lot more! (I'm in Hoboken, NJ, which is in the NYC tri-state area.) May I ask what part of the country you are in? You're deal makes me want to go back into business! All the best to you!!!
I am in East Texas. The kitchen is in a private school and they no longer cook in the kitchen. I am fortunate that I have done a lot of cakes and cookies for many of the board members at this school. So any extra money they have coming in is just (pardon the pun) icing on the cake.
Mac--
Thanks for answering, sorry it took so long for me to respond. I, too, baked out of a cooking school (in their off hours). It was great, because they also rented the kitchen out for small cooking-themed bachelorette, anniversary, birthday, etc. parties and I usually got commissioned to do the cakes or cookies for the dessert. For anyone out there looking to rent kitchen space, this is a good avenue to pursue.
hey! I wasn't getting any emails notifying me of this post.
HOW did you come across this school with this kitchen? I am very curious...because if I need to go searching I might do so.
And I am so sorry about the fine...that scares me too! How much is it costing you to get everything together for the new place??
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