CoMo Cooks

The Loop CID and Regional Economic Development Inc are teaming up with other community partners to open a shared commercial kitchen at Mizzou North, known as CoMo Cooks. We will be offering tiered memberships starting at 10 hours a month with hourly fees starting at $15/hour. We're currently working on the kitchen build out and are aiming for an opening in mid-December 2020 but are accepting preliminary applications now--see below!

Not quite ready for the kitchen but have questions about setting up a business, certifications, and so forth? Check out our Resources page for information about free business coaching. 

The CoMo Cooks project will benefit the community by:

• Encouraging the growth of local food entrepreneurs by reducing barriers and creating opportunities for those without easy access to a commercial kitchen, including those who have been impacted by racial, social, and economic inequality.
• Supporting local and regional farmers by providing cost-effective space to produce value-added products.
• Increasing the economic vitality of the Business Loop by developing a catalytic project that can spur new food-based businesses along the corridor.
• Creating quality jobs that support upward economic mobility for the residents of Columbia and Boone County.
• Providing a space that can be used in the future for business incubation, workforce development, food safety classes, and other training opportunities.

What our kitchen offers:

• Health department certified spaces
• Flexible rental hours + 24 hour scheduling
• Affordable rates and tiered membership levels
• Dry/cold/freezer storage available
• Shared workspace and meeting rooms

Available Equipment

• 3 Compartment Sink
• 60 Quart Mixer
• Automatic Dish Machine
• Char Broiler
• Commercial Food Processor
• Convection Ovens
• Food Slicer
• Freezer
• Fryer
• Griddle
• Hand Wash Stations
• Prep Stations
• Proofers
• Ranges
• Refrigerator
• Tilt Kettle

Additional Benefits

• Online reservation system
• Collaborative entrepreneurial environment
• Access to business workshops and coaching
• PR + social media support
• Participation in the CRE8 shared branding program for local makers

All users will be required to have the following:

• Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Business registration
• Copy of Driver’s License or other acceptable photo ID
• Seller’s permit/sales tax license
• Permit to operate from the City/County Public Health Department
• Any required food handlers permits or certifications
• Federal, state, and local permits as warranted by business activities
• Liability Insurance and COI covering the kitchen ($1 million minimum)
• Worker’s Compensation Insurance (if additional employees)
• Onboarding class and signed agreement recognizing the kitchen rules
• Deposit of $200
• Other items TBD

CoMo Cooks Policies

CoMo Cooks Pricing Sheet

Mizzou North Map