Anyone do this? Are you able to make wedding cakes for licensed venues? I have a meeting tomorrow with a church about using their kitchen but then I'm not sure how that works? Can I advertise then since I will have a separate kitchen to make the cake in? Ugh, complicated... just looking for someone who does use another kitchen away from their house to give me a little insight! Thanks!

I'm glad you posted this mommabuda. My friend and I are getting ready to approach the elders in our church about renting the kitchen for our cake business. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time, and yes it's complicated.

Sorry, by "licensed venue" I meant that they require a license in order to bring a cake in. Most of the venues around here are like that now It stinks.

Oh, I see what you mean. Although strictly from a business and liability standpoint, I think it's a little reckless for any venue to allow unlicensed foods to be brought in, so I think this is a trend that is going to continue, especially when you consider our sue-happy society.

Once you get your kitchen and your license, though, you are home free!!

Has anyone used a "shared kitchen?" There is one here in Georgia. The kitchen is licensed, health department certified, etc. and you rent time and space, depending on your needs. They have everything you need to bake, you just bring your consumables. If you are going to use it on an ongong basis, you can pay a montly fee for a certain number of hours and have a space for your dry goods and cold storage. I wonder if this is a cost-effective way to go? Maybe several people could go in together to offset the cost. Any thoughts on this?

sorry, I have no input, just want to say I absolutely LOVE the name BigButtsBakery. I would go just for the name!

I lease a commercial kitchen...they also uses it to cater out of. She embraced me as a business also in her building...and I also share window space and advertise...I just don't have a store front. It gets a little hairy when they are catering for 300 and I have 10 cakes to get done. But we make it work. However, I have found a new place of my own and will have my own space in about a month!! It is a great stepping stone and gets you ready for a "real" cake shop.
Good Luck
Laura

Thank you for the insight. I do think this is a great stepping stone and I'm hoping it will work out for the best! I just feel like I have so much to do now...