What The Hatchery is and who runs it
The Hatchery is a food business incubator based in Chicago that provides commercial kitchen space, business training, and mentorship to people starting food companies. It is a nonprofit organization, not a government program, and it operates its own licensed commercial kitchen that members can rent by the hour or reserve for regular production schedules.
The organization focuses on early-stage food entrepreneurs — people with a product idea, a small existing business, or a recipe they want to turn into a commercial operation. The Hatchery does not fund businesses or give away money. Instead, it charges fees for kitchen access and offers paid and unpaid educational programs alongside that access.
The Hatchery is located in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood and serves the Chicago area primarily, though some of its online educational content reaches people elsewhere. If you are outside Chicago, you may want to search for a food incubator in your own city or region, as most major metropolitan areas have at least one.
Key Takeaways
- The Hatchery rents commercial kitchen space by the hour or through monthly membership, which is how most food businesses get your free guide without buying their own equipment.
- Membership includes access to business coaching, networking events, and educational workshops on topics like food safety, labeling, and selling to retailers.
- You need a food business idea or existing product to join; The Hatchery is not a place to learn cooking from scratch.
- Costs vary by membership level and kitchen usage, and you pay The Hatchery directly — there are no government subsidies or grants involved in membership fees.
- The process process involves describing your business idea and sometimes a brief conversation with staff to make sure your product fits their kitchen and rules.
Kitchen access and membership options
The Hatchery offers several ways to use its kitchen, depending on how often you need it and what stage your business is at. Hourly kitchen rental lets you book time in advance and pay per hour; this works well if you are testing a recipe, making a small batch for a farmers market, or producing occasionally. Monthly memberships give you a set number of hours per month at a lower per-hour rate, plus reserved access to certain equipment or a dedicated shelf for ingredients.
Membership also includes access to The Hatchery's business resources: a library of templates for labels and business plans, regular office hours with a business advisor, and invitations to networking events where you can meet other food entrepreneurs and potential buyers. Some memberships include attendance at workshops on food safety certification, nutrition labeling, and how to pitch to grocery stores or restaurants.
Costs for kitchen rental and membership change based on demand and The Hatchery's current offerings, so you should contact them directly for current pricing. The organization's website lists the membership tiers and what each includes, and staff can walk you through which option fits your production schedule and budget.
What you need before you can use the kitchen
The Hatchery requires that you have a food business idea or an existing product before you join. You do not need to have already registered a business or obtained licenses, but you do need to know what you want to make and have a basic plan for how you will sell it.
You will also need to understand food safety rules for your product type. Some foods — like shelf-stable jams, granola, or baked goods — can be made in a commercial kitchen and sold without a special license in many states. Other foods — like canned goods, meat products, or foods that require refrigeration — have stricter rules and may require you to get a state license or have your process approved before you can sell. The Hatchery staff can point you toward your state's health department rules, but you are responsible for understanding what applies to your product.
You will also need to follow The Hatchery's own kitchen rules: cleaning up after yourself, labeling everything you store, and following their food safety protocols. These are standard for any shared commercial kitchen and exist to protect all members and their customers.
How to start using The Hatchery
The first step is to contact The Hatchery directly through their website or phone number to ask about current membership options and availability. Staff will ask you about your product, how often you plan to use the kitchen, and what equipment you need. This conversation helps them understand whether your business fits their kitchen and whether they have space for you.
Next, you will likely fill out an intake form describing your business idea, your production timeline, and your goals. Some applicants are asked to come in for a brief tour and conversation with a staff member. This is not a formal interview or a decision point — it is a chance for The Hatchery to make sure you understand how the kitchen works and for you to see whether it meets your needs.
Once you are accepted, you will sign a membership agreement, pay your first month's fee or deposit, and receive access to the kitchen calendar and booking system. You can then schedule your first production session. Most members start with a few hours to test their workflow before committing to a larger monthly membership.
Business support and training beyond kitchen access
The Hatchery offers regular workshops and one-on-one coaching on topics that food entrepreneurs actually need: how to design a label that meets FDA rules, how to calculate food costs and pricing, how to approach a grocery store buyer, and how to manage production schedules. Some of these are included in membership; others are offered for an additional fee.
The organization also hosts networking events where members can meet each other, share experiences, and sometimes connect with potential customers, investors, or collaborators. These events are usually free or low-cost for members and are one of the less obvious but valuable parts of membership — many food businesses grow through relationships built in a shared kitchen.
The Hatchery does not provide funding, loans, or grants. If you need money to start your business, you would need to explore other sources like small business loans, personal savings, or crowdfunding. The Hatchery's value is in the kitchen space, the guidance on regulations and business basics, and the community of other food entrepreneurs.
What happens after you outgrow The Hatchery
As your business grows and you need more consistent kitchen time or specialized equipment, you will eventually outgrow a shared incubator kitchen. Some members move to renting their own commercial kitchen space, either alone or shared with another business. Others buy or lease their own equipment and set up a dedicated production space.
The Hatchery can help you think through this transition — staff often advise members on what to look for in a commercial kitchen lease and how to know when it is time to move. Some members stay connected to The Hatchery even after they leave, attending events or using the kitchen occasionally for special projects or seasonal production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need food safety certification to use The Hatchery kitchen?
It depends on your product and your state's rules. Some foods do not require certification; others do. The Hatchery can point you toward your state health department's guidance, and they often offer or recommend workshops on food safety certification. You should clarify this before you start production.
Can I store ingredients at The Hatchery between production sessions?
Most memberships include shelf or refrigerator space for your ingredients, but the amount and terms vary by membership level. Ask about storage when you are discussing membership options, and make sure you label everything clearly with your name and date.
What if I only need the kitchen once or twice?
The Hatchery offers hourly rental without membership, so you can book time as needed. This costs more per hour than a membership but works well if you are testing a recipe or making a small batch for a one-time event. Contact them about current hourly rates and availability.
Does The Hatchery help me sell my product?
The Hatchery offers training on how to approach buyers and sell to retailers, and networking events where you might meet potential customers. They do not sell your product for you or may provide sales. The business coaching and workshops are meant to teach you how to do this yourself.
What if my product does not fit in a shared kitchen?
If you need specialized equipment, a lot of space, or production methods that do not work in a shared kitchen, The Hatchery staff can discuss alternatives with you and may be able to refer you to other resources or facilities in the Chicago area.