Community Kitchen Access and Management Coordination

The City of Pontiac is seeking a qualified partner to develop and manage a coordinated community kitchen access system that expands opportunities for food-based entrepreneurs, caterers, food truck operators, and community food programs. The project aims to address the current lack of accessible, licensed kitchen space by creating a centralized network that connects kitchen operators with users, streamlines access, and supports the growth of Pontiac's local food economy.

The selected vendor will identify and assess available kitchen facilities, develop tools to match businesses with appropriate kitchen space, implement a user-friendly scheduling and booking system, and establish processes for compliance tracking and partnership management. The City is looking for an organization that can proactively engage kitchen owners and prospective users while promoting equitable access for underserved populations.

Ultimately, this initiative is intended to create a sustainable, citywide kitchen-sharing infrastructure that maximizes existing assets, supports small business development, and advances the City of Pontiac's priorities of economic growth, accessibility, equity, and long-term community impact.

Pontiac is home to a diverse and growing community of food entrepreneurs, caterers, food truck operators, and community-based food programs. While the city has no shortage of culinary talent and entrepreneurial ambition, many businesses face a significant barrier: access to affordable, licensed, and compliant kitchen space. Without these resources, entrepreneurs often struggle to launch, sustain, or scale their operations.