Find a licensed kitchen to rent for a food truck, catering, baking or meal prep business. Prices and terms appear right on the card whenever a kitchen publishes them.
Checked November 4, 2026 against public listings. 10 kitchens: 9 in Charlotte, 1 nearby.
Price check
Only 3 of 9 Charlotte kitchens publish a price. For the other 6, ask for a written quote before you tour.
Business type and terms match what each listing states, and the Food truck filter also includes kitchens listed as food truck friendly. A kitchen that states neither shows up only under Any.
Showing 10 of 10 kitchens
Alternative Chef
Charlotte 28270
1421 Orchard Lake Dr, Charlotte, NC 28270
Listed price
$40/hrOne-time use or pay as you go. Monthly packages exist, rates not shown.
Access
24/7
Terms
One-time use, pay as you go, month to month
Fees
Not stated
Inspection
Not stated
Food truck
Caterer
Meal prep
Packaged goods
Equipment and storage, as listed
Equipment. Gas range and flat top; Commercial oven; Griddle; Dough sheeter; Proofer; Food processor; Dehydrator; Smoker; Prep tables.
Storage. Dry, cold and warehouse storage, plus a loading dock.
Also listed. Video and alarm security.
CheckCold and dry storage rates depend on the space you need.
824 N York St and 514 Linwood Rd, Gastonia, NC 28052
Listed price
$450/moFood trucks and trailers
$250/moPushcarts
$250/mo + $20/hrCatering, includes monthly storage and refrigeration
$250/mo + $20/hrBakers, listed under division of agriculture
Access
24/7, cooking time must be scheduled
Terms
One-time use, month to month
Fees
Not stated
Inspection
USDA certified room (listed)
Food truck
Caterer
Baker
Meal prep
Equipment and storage, as listed
Equipment. Range; Commercial, convection and rack ovens; Prep tables.
Storage. Cold, freezer and dry storage.
Also listed. Temperature controlled, parking.
CheckThe listing names ovens and a range but also says members bring their own equipment, so ask what is provided. Fryers and small appliances are not available. Not for take-out, delivery-app or pickup operations.
NC Department of Agriculture only. Cannot host businesses the Health Department governs.
Business types not stated
CheckTenants pay a flat monthly fee based on hours, equipment and storage, and the kitchen screens applicants so schedules line up. The amount is not published. Tenants bring their own ingredients and smallwares.
CheckThe listing describes a managed model that bundles equipment, utilities, food safety, marketing and regulatory support. It shares an address with T's Commissary Kitchen.
Food trucks and caterers are typically permitted through Mecklenburg County Public Health. One kitchen here, Sweet Spot, is regulated only by the NC Department of Agriculture and says it cannot host businesses the Health Department governs.
Get every fee in writing.
Listings mix setup fees, deposits, minimum hours and storage charges. T's Commissary Kitchen, for example, lists a fee and a deposit of one month's rent on top of the monthly price.
Ask about water and waste.
North Carolina county health guidance says a truck's commissary must provide potable water fill and a place to dump wastewater. None of the listings here say whether theirs does.
Check what equipment is included.
Charlotte Commissary Kitchen provides work stations and a walk-in cooler but no cooking equipment. Gaston Commissary Kitchens lists ovens but also says members bring their own.
Confirm your permit path before you sign a lease.
Mecklenburg County's mobile food unit form says units must report daily to a commissary approved by the Health Department, and it asks for a completed commissary approval form. Call the county Health Department to confirm what applies to you before you sign.
Starting a food business in Charlotte?
Renting a kitchen is one step. These are the other things most new food businesses set up around the same time.
Business insurance.
Many commissaries and event organizers ask for proof of liability insurance before you start. Get quotes before you tour so you can answer when a kitchen asks. Next Insurance
Form your LLC.
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from the business, and you will usually need one to open a business bank account and apply for permits. North Carolina LLCs are filed with the Secretary of State.
Take card payments.
Food trucks and pop-ups often start with a simple card reader and point of sale. Compare the per-transaction rate and any monthly fees. Square
Food safety training.
Ask Mecklenburg County Public Health which food handler or manager certification your permit requires, and where to take the course.
Also in the region
These kitchens appear on regional kitchen directories. Details have not been confirmed yet, so they are listed by name only.
Nunya Commissary, Concord
Fat&Sassy Commissary Kitchen, Lawndale
Chef's Commissary, Belmont
The Shield Commissary, Rock Hill, SC
KO-OP Kitchen, Rock Hill, SC
Gluten Free Kitchen Space, Charlotte
Details come from public kitchen listings on The Kitchen Door, checked on November 4, 2026. Prices, terms and availability change. Confirm with the kitchen before you commit.