Welcome to the Catskills Kitchen Program!

A space for food business start-ups and community members.

The Catskills Kitchen program features two distinct spaces: a commercial kitchen for food production and a separate Teaching Kitchen designed for cooking and nutrition education classes. 

Catskills Kitchen Overview: Licensed Commercial Kitchen Space for Rent

The Catskills Kitchen Food Business Incubator Program offers a licensed, shared-use commercial kitchen located at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC). It is designed to support small food businesses, farmers, entrepreneurs, caterers, and community members who need access to a professional kitchen space to produce, process, or package food products for sale.

The facility is inspected and licensed by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM), ensuring that it meets all health and safety standards for commercial food production.

Key features of the Catskills Kitchen include:

• Fully equipped commercial kitchen with professional-grade appliances and tools.
• Affordable hourly rental rates, making it accessible for start-ups and small-scale producers.
• Limited dry storage, with additional cold storage (refrigeration and freezer) available upon request and approval.
• Loading access for large vehicles for deliveries and pick-ups.
• Support from the Catskills Kitchen Coordinator for scheduling, compliance, and kitchen orientation

Supporting Local Food & Entrepreneurs

As demand grows for fresh, healthy, and locally produced food, the Catskills Kitchen serves as a hub where local farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs can create value-added products, bringing the bounty of our region to local markets and stores.

Food Business Incubator Program

Our Food Business Incubator offers technical assistance and education to help you start or grow your food business. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced entrepreneur, we provide resources and support, including:

• Business Planning
• Marketing
• Financing Resources
• Food Processing Regulations
• Training in Value-Added Production
• Food Labeling Requirements
• Packaging and Distribution
• Certification and Food Safety Training
• Navigating Licensing & Permits
• Market Access & Local Farm Purchasing Assistance

In addition to technical assistance, entrepreneurs can rent and produce in our licensed kitchen, serving farmers, restaurateurs, bakers, caterers, and specialty food makers. 

What is the Step-By-Step Process to use the Commercial Kitchen?

Follow the steps below to get cooking in the Catskills Kitchen:

STEP 1: Fill out the inquiry form and speak to the Catskills Kitchen Coordinator about your anticipated usage for the Catskills Kitchen. The Catskills Kitchen Coordinator will go over licensing and permitting requirements and kitchen availability.

STEP 2: Fill out the Catskills Kitchen Application & Terms of Use Agreement.

STEP 3: Review and acknowledge the Catskills Kitchen User Manual.

STEP 4: Obtain liability insurance and provide documentation.

STEP 5: Once documents are approved by CCESC, we will then provide a Commissary agreement for the NYSDOH permit. This commissary agreement is submitted with your NYSDOH application.

STEP 6: Apply for your license or permit:

Apply for your NYS Ag & Markets (NYSDAM) 20-C Exempt License: Food Business Licensing | Agriculture and Markets AND/OR

Apply for a NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) permit with the Sullivan County office: DOH-3915 Application for a Permit to Operate

If required under your NYS Ag & Markets 20-C License, contact the Food Venture Center for help in formulating your recipe and getting your food business started. www.nysaes.cornell.edu/necfe.

STEP 7: Obtain Serve Safe Food Handler Certificate: ServSafe® - Manager

STEP 8: CCESC coordinates your inspection with either NYSDAM or NYSDOH. Make sure you follow the necessary labeling and packaging requirements. Food Labeling | Agriculture and Markets

STEP 9: Pay required deposits and fees.

STEP 10: Participate in the one half-hour Catskills Kitchen orientation prior to using the facility.

STEP 11: Consider taking CCESC Business and Product Development, Marketing, and Food Safety workshop(s). Inquire with the kitchen coordinator for scheduled classes.

STEP 12: Get Cooking! 

Teaching Kitchen & Community Programs

Our Teaching Kitchen hosts cooking and nutrition classes for all skill levels. With individual cooking stations and state-of-the-art educational technology, including cameras and Zoom Rooms, we offer in-person and virtual learning experiences.

Classes and videos feature local chefs, staff, and volunteers, focusing on:

• Cooking with local, seasonal ingredients
• Easy and healthy recipes
• Practical cooking tips

Check out our online cooking videos to sharpen your skills and get inspired!

Last updated March 10, 2025