Everything you need to know about industrial kitchen restaurants and how to choose the right one

Industrial kitchen restaurants are large-scale kitchens designed for high-volume food production, often used by catering services, delivery-only restaurants, and food chains to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Curious about how to choose the best industrial kitchen for your business? Read our full guide!

Running a successful food business, whether it’s a catering company, delivery-only restaurant, or large food chain, often depends on your ability to produce food efficiently and at scale. Industrial kitchen restaurants are essential for this purpose.

These kitchens are designed to handle high-volume food production and can offer a wide range of benefits for businesses looking to streamline operations, increase production capacity, and meet customer demands.

In this guide, we will explain what industrial kitchen restaurants are, explore the different types available, and provide insights on how to choose the best option for your business.

What is an Industrial Kitchen?

An industrial kitchen (also referred to as a commercial kitchen) is a large-scale cooking facility built to produce food in large quantities. These kitchens are typically outfitted with industrial-grade equipment, advanced cooking technologies, and optimized layouts to enhance efficiency.

Unlike smaller, traditional restaurant kitchens, industrial kitchens cater to businesses that require high-volume food production, such as catering services, delivery-only restaurants (ghost kitchens), and franchises with multiple locations.

Benefits of industrial kitchens

Choosing an industrial kitchen comes with several key benefits that can transform your business operations:

1. Increased production capacity: industrial kitchens are designed for high-volume food production, allowing businesses to meet large customer demands without sacrificing quality or speed.
2. Cost efficiency: by operating out of a large-scale kitchen, you can reduce overhead costs, especially if you choose a shared or ghost kitchen model, which allows multiple businesses to split the costs of equipment and rent.
3. Streamlined operations: The layout and design of industrial kitchens focus on efficient workflows, reducing bottlenecks in food preparation and delivery.
4. Scalability: For businesses looking to expand, industrial kitchens provide the infrastructure to support growth by accommodating higher order volumes and additional staff.
5. Compliance with health regulations: industrial kitchens are typically built to meet all local health and safety regulations, providing peace of mind that your business will operate in compliance with industry standards.

Types of industrial kitchen restaurants

When choosing an industrial kitchen restaurant, it’s important to understand the different types available. Each option serves a unique purpose depending on your business model, target market, and production needs.

Shared kitchens

A shared kitchen is a facility that multiple food businesses use simultaneously. Each business rents space in the kitchen and shares equipment with others.

This model is popular among small startups, food trucks, and businesses looking to keep costs low while benefiting from industrial-grade facilities.

Advantages of shared kitchens:

• Lower operating costs by splitting expenses with other businesses
• Access to high-end commercial kitchen equipment
• Flexible rental agreements, making it easier for startups to scale

Best for: Startups, food trucks, or small catering businesses that don’t need dedicated kitchen space.

Dedicated kitchens

A dedicated kitchen is a space designed for the exclusive use of a single business or brand. These kitchens provide full control over the space and equipment, allowing the business to operate without interference from others.

Advantages of dedicated kitchens:

• Full control over kitchen operations and layout
• Customizable to meet specific business needs
• Ideal for established brands looking to maintain consistency across multiple locations

Best for: Large-scale businesses, restaurant chains, or franchises that need exclusive use of a space to maintain operational efficiency and brand consistency.

Ghost kitchens

Ghost kitchens (cloud or virtual kitchens) are facilities designed specifically for delivery-only businesses. These kitchens do not serve walk-in customers and focus solely on preparing food for online orders.

The rise of food delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub has made ghost kitchens a popular option for restaurants looking to minimize overhead costs while expanding their reach.

Advantages of ghost kitchens:

• Low overhead since there’s no need for a dining area
• Ability to run multiple food brands from the same kitchen space
• Optimized for fast food production and delivery efficiency

Best for: Delivery-only restaurants, virtual brands, and businesses looking to capitalize on the growing demand for food delivery.

Catering Kitchens

Catering kitchens are designed to handle the specific needs of catering services, which typically involve preparing large quantities of food for special events, corporate functions, and weddings.

These kitchens are equipped with the tools and equipment necessary to prepare and store large volumes of food.

Advantages of Catering Kitchens:

• Space and equipment optimized for high-volume food production
• Ability to handle a wide variety of menu items simultaneously
• Storage options for large quantities of food

Best for: Catering companies and businesses that specialize in events requiring bulk food preparation.

Choosing the right Industrial kitchen restaurant

When choosing the right industrial kitchen for your business, some essential factors should guide your decision:

1. Business Model: Are you running a catering service, delivery-only restaurant, or full-service restaurant? Your business type will dictate which type of industrial kitchen is the best fit.
2. Production Volume: Consider how much food you need to produce daily. A shared kitchen may be sufficient for lower production volumes, while a dedicated or catering kitchen is ideal for higher demands.
3. Location: Proximity to your target market or delivery zones can affect your decision. Choosing a kitchen near delivery hubs or event venues can reduce costs and improve efficiency.
4. Equipment Needs: Different types of industrial kitchens come equipped with various tools. Ensure the kitchen you choose has the appropriate commercial kitchen equipment to support your menu and cooking processes.
5. Budget: Shared kitchens are generally the most cost-effective option, while dedicated kitchens and ghost kitchens may require a larger financial investment.

Comparing options and making the decision

Once you have a clear understanding of your business needs, compare your options by assessing the cost, location, equipment, and scalability of each type of industrial kitchen. Consider visiting several kitchen facilities in person to get a feel for the space, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about leasing terms, equipment maintenance, and shared services.

Industrial kitchen restaurants offer a scalable, cost-effective solution for businesses looking to increase food production and streamline operations. Whether you choose a shared, ghost, dedicated, or catering kitchen, selecting the right one will help you grow your business and meet customer demands efficiently.

Want to learn more about how an industrial kitchen can benefit your restaurant? See what CloudKitchens can offer and let us help you find the perfect kitchen for your needs. You can also tour a kitchen and discover what is the best service for your restaurant! 

Ready to apply these strategies to your next ghost kitchen? Explore one of our Ghost Kitchens in Seattle.

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. CloudKitchens does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the blog content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.