Becoming a Member of
The Flavor Lab Culinary Collective
Ready to launch your food business? Follow our step-by-step process to join Rochester's premier commercial kitchen community.
The Process
Fill Out Our Contact Form to begin the process
Schedule Your Facility Tour
Our Kitchen Manager will contact you to arrange a tour
(virtual or in-person available, in-person recommended)
Review Contract & Requirements
After your tour, we'll send you contract details including:
Michigan business registration required (Register here)
$1,000,000 insurance minimum (product and general liability with The Flavor Lab as additional insured)
No Cottage Law production allowed once licensed
Equipment and products must be stored at The Flavor Lab
Prepare Your Documentation
Download resources to get ready:
Sample SOPs - customize for your business
ServSafe Certification - confirm requirements with licensing agency
Product testing may be required (MDARD requirement)
Variance may be needed (licensing agency will advise)
Apply for Licensing
Important: Contact us before applying to any agency.
We'll guide you to the correct forms and provide pre-populated information.
Choose your licensing path:
MDARD:
Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural DevelopmentOakland County Health Department:
Health Department FormsFood Trucks/Trailers:
Mobile Food Establishment Form
Schedule Inspection
Coordinate inspection dates with our Kitchen Manager before booking with the licensing agency.
Contract signing and security deposit due on inspection day.