Commerical
​Commissary kitchen

UNDER CONSTRUCTION / OPENING WINTER 2026

La Casa de Amistad’s fully licensed commercial kitchen is a shared space where food entrepreneurs, community cooks, and cultural groups can bring their ideas to life. Our commissary kitchen gives the South Bend community a safe, affordable place to cook, create, and grow their businesses.

Whether you’re testing a new salsa recipe, running a food truck, or hosting a cooking class, this kitchen is here for you.

Many talented cooks and bakers are ready to start a business but don’t have access to a licensed commercial kitchen. La Casa’s commissary kitchen helps close that gap by providing:

• A health-department-approved commercial kitchen
• Flexible, hourly rental options
• A welcoming, bilingual environment
• A space that celebrates food, culture, and community

Here, you can take the next step with your food-related idea without the cost of building your own kitchen.

---

La Casa’s commissary kitchen is ideal for:

• Food truck and cart owners needing a licensed base kitchen
• Caterers preparing meals for events, parties, and corporate functions
• Bakers and dessert makers (pan dulce, cakes, cookies, pastries)
• Meal prep businesses creating weekly meals for clients
• Sauce, salsa, and packaged food makers testing and producing small batches
• Nonprofits and community groups hosting cooking classes or community meals
• Youth programs and clubs learning cooking and nutrition skills
• Cultural organizations sharing traditional recipes and food heritage

If your work involves food and requires a licensed kitchen, we want to talk with you.

HOURS OF OPERATION:
To Be Determined
Opening Winter 2026

PROGRAM FEE:
To Be Determined
​Opening Winter 2026
​
CONTACT:
Christian Sotelo
Adult Programming Coordinator [email protected]
574-233-2120

What's  included  in  the  kitchen  RENTAL?​

Cooking & Baking Equipment

• Commercial gas or electric ranges and ovens
• Flat-top or griddle space for high-volume cooking
• Convection ovens ideal for baking and roasting
• ​​Microwaves and small countertop appliances (as available)

Prep and Work Areas

• Large stainless-steel prep tables
  
• Ample counter space for assembling meals or packaging products
  
• ​Dedicated handwashing and prep sinks
  

Cold and Dry Storage

• Reach-in refrigerators and freezers
• Access to shared cold storage for ingredients and prepared items
• Dry storage shelving or lockers for shelf-stable goods (as available)

Cleaning and Sanitation

• Commercial dishwashing area and 3-compartment sink
• Designated handwashing sinks
• Food-safe cleaning supplies and sanitation standards

​

Additional Amenities

• Access to shared loading/receiving areas (for deliveries or food trucks, if applicable)
• Wi-Fi for managing orders, menus, and online business tools
• Bilingual staff support and connections to business resources when possible

Our Commissary Kitchen is funded through contributions from our generous donors of all levels with significant support from the following groups: