By ShareKitchen
For many caterers, bakers, and food vendors, the cost of opening a restaurant or catering business can be daunting, if not wholly prohibitive. But Veronica Burgen, the owner of justMe Sweets in Indio, operates a shared commercial kitchen that puts a small business within reach for many would-be entrepreneurs.
Burgen opened the kitchen last April after closing her original business, justMe Sweets Bakery and Café. She sought guidance from Angela Janus, founder of the ShareKitchen business incubator in Cathedral City, and was inspired to transform her restaurant space into a facility for all to share and grow.
“I am happy to share the kitchen with others because it is nice to see them grow and pick up business and accounts,” Burgen beams, happy to help people get started and eventually create jobs. “It is important that people know that the idea of opening a business is fantastic, but it is a big package to take on. It requires a business plan and a lot of knowledge on what you want to do.”
Located at 83214 Requa Ave., the 2,200-square-foot facility has a dining area and is fully equipped as a commercial kitchen. It offers a six-burner stovetop, a dual oven, three sink basins, and three prep areas.
The cost to rent space and use the equipment ranges from $800 to $1,500 per month based on a business’ needs. Once approved, the business will be assigned hours to use the facility during the week. For additional time, the cost is $25 an hour.
The kitchen currently hosts three businesses, including include Burgen’s justMe Sweets, CV BBQ, and the artisan Gringa Gourmet. The facility has the capacity to accommodate a total of six businesses.
For inquiries about renting time and space at the kitchen, contact Veronica Burgen at 760-347-3060 or visit www.veronicaskitchen.com
For more information on the Coachella Valley’s local food movement visit www.cvfresh.org.
