How do I sign up?

Please contact us to sign up. We provide a free tour. We will need the following items before you can use the kitchens:

1. Business license. If you need a new one, see step 9 below.

2. Liability insurance policy. If you need a new one, see step 7 below.

3. Food Safety Manager Certification. If you need a new one, see step 5 below.

4. Health permit. If you need a new one, see step 4 below.

I'm starting a new business for the first time. What do I need to do to get started?

We realize that starting a business for the first time can be daunting, but well worth it to kickstart your food dreams. The California Secretary of State also has a checklist for starting a new business in California: https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/starting-business-checklist. Here are some common steps for this process:

1. Choose a business structure (e.g. sole prop, partnership, LLC, C corp, S corp) and business name.

   • The California Secretary of State website provides a brief overview of various business structures: https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/starting-business/types. Consider consulting with an attorney or an accountant.

   • The California Secretary of State has instructions for starting a new business in California (step 3): https://bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/bizfile/bizfile-brochure.pdf

2. Register your business

   • Registration depends on the type of business structure. The full process may take several days or weeks.

   • The California Secretary of State has instructions for starting a new business in California (steps 4 to 10): https://bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/bizfile/bizfile-brochure.pdf

3. Sign up with Timothy Kitchens

   • See the pricing page for more details.

4. Obtain a permit in Alameda County. If you operate a catering business, apply for the Caterer (ACDEH) permit. If you want to sell at a Farmer’s Market, apply for the Temporary Food Facility (this one is for Alameda County) We can help you obtain one.

5. At least one member in your business must pass the accredited Food Safety Manager Certification examination

   • California Health and Safety Code (CALCODE) section 113947.1 requires food facilities (excluding temporary food facilities/food booths) that provide unpackaged, potentially hazardous food, to have an owner or employee who has successfully passed an accredited certification examination. 

   • For more info and to register for a class, see this Alameda County page. You can sign up for an in-person class here https://deh.acgov.org/operations/class.page? or online class here https://www.efoodhandlers.com/

6. All members of your business must obtain a California Food Handler Card within 30 days of working. You can find an online class here https://www.efoodhandlers.com/

7. Get liability insurance policy for a minimum of $1 million naming Timothy Kitchens as an additional insured.

   • Consider the Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP): www.fliprogram.com

8. Obtain a reseller permit

   • You must obtain a seller's permit if you are engaged in business in California and intend to sell or lease tangible personal property that would ordinarily be subject to sales tax if sold at retail.

   • See the CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration page to apply for a seller’s permit: https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/faqseller.htm

9. Apply for a business license with San Leandro. We can help you obtain one.

   • See this helpful City of San Leandro page on how to apply: https://www.sanleandro.org/340/Business-License

Please note that Timothy Kitchens is not an attorney or an accountant and Timothy Kitchens cannot provide legal or accounting advice. Any information or guidance that Timothy Kitchens may provide is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional legal or accounting advice. If you require legal or accounting advice, please consult with a licensed attorney or accountant who can provide you with guidance specific to your individual needs and circumstances.

Who cleans?

Renters are responsible for cleaning their kitchen and prep area after use. This includes cleaning kitchen equipment, tabletops, and floors. Trash must also be thrown away. Used equipment must also be returned.

Renters will be fined if the kitchen and prep areas after usage are not clean. Repeated and severe issues may result in losing access to Timothy Kitchens.

What hours can I access the kitchen?

The kitchen will be open daily from 5 am - 9 pm PST. Renters must book their hours through www.timothykitchens.com. More details about this booking will be provided soon.

If you need hours outside of the hours listed above, please contact us.

Can I bring my own equipment?

Please check with Timothy Kitchens. We are generally accommodating with renters bringing in their own equipment, so long as it can be moved and replaced quickly after usage, but you’ll need approval from Timothy Kitchens.

I still have more questions.

Feel free to contact us by filling out the form on the Contact page: https://www.timothykitchens.com/contact