Frequently Asked Questions

  • We work with consumer packaged goods, meal prep/caterers, food trucks, and food service providers.

  • We’re not. Our facility isn’t restricted for any allergen or dietary needs like nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, Kosher, Halal, vegan, or otherwise.

  • Here’s how to apply:

    1. First, check out our membership page which details everything that we are looking for in a member and what to expect during the application process.

    2. Schedule a Discovery Call. We’ll use the time to assess if there could be a mutual fit. If there’s not a fit, we may be able to point you towards some alternatives. Book your Discovery Call here.

    3. If our facility is right for your business, we’ll schedule a time for you to take a tour to see our kitchen in action. After your tour, we’ll send you our membership packet that includes instructions on how to apply and details about the required documents and fees.

    4. Fill out our Application Form and upload your business plan

    5. We’ll review your information and let you know if you qualify for membership.

    6. If you qualify, you’ll have an interview with a Hudson Kitchen staff member and current member.

    7. If your business is invited to join the kitchen, you’ll complete the onboarding form, submit the required documents, and pay the onboarding fees.

    8. Attend an orientation session

  • The tour gives you the lay of the land at Hudson Kitchen, and helps make sure you’re ready for membership. Our founder, Djenaba, will personally walk you through our campus to learn about our facilities, check out the equipment, and determine if they meet your current needs. We’ll learn more about you, your goals, and how you want to grow your business. As a community of supportive, focused founders, we want to make sure we’re the best place for you.

  • Here’s what we need from every new member:

    • Completed onboarding form and $500 onboarding fee (used towards your first month’s membership fee if a Facilities Use Agreement is signed within 10 days of form submission)

    • Signed Facilities Use Agreement

    • Security deposit equal to two month’s membership fee (inclusive of additional storage) plus the first month’s membership fee

    • Business registration certificate

    • Certificate of formation

    • Employer identification number (EIN)

    • Food Protection Manager certification and Food Protection Handler Certification (associated personnel)

    • General and product liability insurance with umbrella policy

    • (If applicable) Workers compensation insurance for employees and contractors

    • (If applicable) Commercial automobile insurance

  • You bet. We get it – businesses take time to evolve. We’d love to work with you to figure out the best time for you to become a member. We want everyone in our community to be successful – so if you’re not ready yet, no pressure.

  • Yes! As a member of our compliant facility, you can pursue FDA, USDA, and Organic certification, and wholesale and retail licensing. We’ll help you navigate all these processes – from the Business Registration Certificate to Insurance to Food Safety Certifications. We submit the retail license to the health department and schedule inspections on your behalf.

  • Oh yeah! Hudson Kitchen is more than just a commercial kitchen—we’re a food business incubator. We help you figure out your next steps to expand your business. Our experts provide workshops, in-depth training sessions, 1-on-1 consulting sessions, and mentorship based on the needs you and your business have.

  • We embrace it! Hudson Kitchen is a collaborative space. We promote creativity, community, and cooperation. There’s room for everybody, and we’re here to help all CPG businesses thrive. If you need help figuring out your differentiators in the marketplace, we can help!

  • We can help. If you’re just getting started, we’ll train you how to use the commercial equipment, and how to work in the shared kitchen. That way you can produce more, better, faster, and with less waste. (And you won’t break anything!)

  • We allow 3 people in the kitchen plus 1 dishwasher or administrative staff per membership. As your business grows, you can add another membership. We allow up to 3 memberships per company.

  • We don’t. That’s because we’ve found that a monthly commitment gives our members the best set-up for success. When you’re ready to level up your business, we’ll be here for you!

  • Unfortunately we can’t accommodate businesses that operate as ghost kitchens or produce made-to-order products distributed through on-demand delivery services like DoorDash and UberEats.

  • Unfortunately, no. We incubate and accelerate businesses that make a 6-month minimum commitment. Our dedicated founders are full-time or aspiring to be full-time in the near term. If you’re not ready for membership, but need some support, we’d love to have you join one of our workshops or classes as you continue to grow your business.

  • We don’t offer rentals to the public. Our member businesses rely on available space to produce food for their businesses.