Please share if you have any knowledge on the subject!

I live in Massachusetts and currently have a residential kitchen license that allows me to cater wedding cakes. I want to start an internet based business that ships baked goods. According to my state law I can't ship goods out of state from a residential kitchen. I have a carriage house in the back of my property that could work as a functioning kitchen if I bought the equipment. Can you tell me what you think constitutes a commercial kitchen? Can a dishwasher replace the need for a 3 compartment sink?

Any help is appreciated!
Thanks-
Jessica

Hi, Jessica!

I think, as long as the kitchen is not used for residential purposes, that's what makes it a commercial kitchen. Each state has its own rules as far as what you need to start a business, but I would think that your carriage house converted into a "business kitchen" would meet the commercial kitchen guidelines since you're not using it as your home's primary kitchen.

If you did that, you could actually move your wedding cakes out there, too, and then the business is all in one spot.

Paul

I would think your state agency that issues your license could help you with that. It should contain the proper sinks, "commercial equipment" such as ovens, mixers, etc. But your best bet would be them since states vary.

HTH

I'm going to say that a dishwasher does not eliminate the need for a 3 compartment sink. Every establishment that I have worked in has had both. Part of the reason is that not everything can be run through a dishwasher, so those items must be properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized.

I think there also must be a "mop sink." Depends on the state I guess...

Just to add to the dishwasher vs sink....if your dishwasher breaks down, you will need to hand wash dishes, we have to have a triple sink for wash, rinse, sanitze, plus all of the chemicals necessary for those jobs....

Totally off topic, a carriage house sounds so amazing!!! I wish I had one! LOL!