Pocatello woman opens 24/7 commercial kitchen for foodies to rent
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POCATELLO — Businesswoman, entrepreneur and mother of three young children, Emily Stark, had what she calls “this crazy idea” to open a 24/7 commercial kitchen to rent out to anyone who needs a place to do major food preparation.
After months of research and hard work, Stark recently opened the big overhead door to her sparkling clean new business, Portneuf Valley Commercial Kitchen, at 251 Tailwind Circle (#123) in Chubbuck.
With the latest professional-grade equipment, including a 15-quart mixer, nugget ice maker, giant ovens and everything in between, the kitchen is already stirring up plenty of business with local food truck vendors, chefs and bakers.
Stark, who is from Clifton, Idaho, was inspired to open the business after taking over Woodland Orchards’ apple cider business, which required ample space for processing.
“We processed 5,400 pounds of apples, and I started thinking, ‘What if I opened a business that just focused on the kitchen?’ I began talking to people to see if there is a need in the community and doing a lot of research,” said Stark. “Maybe, just maybe, this could work.”
Stark obtained her food license, and Portneuf Valley Commercial Kitchen meets all health regulations for commercial food preparation, including state-of-the-art sinks and a hand washing station.
“In the short time that we’ve been open, we’ve had a huge response,” said Stark. “People have been extremely grateful for this facility. It’s been life-changing for some when they realize how much product they cook with our time-efficient equipment.”
Stark said her clients have varied from teenagers starting their own cinnamon roll business to established food truck vendors.
Among Stark’s first customers are Smith Baking Co. (known locally for their macaroon cookies), Baked Fresh Sourdough Bakery, El Torito Taqueria food truck and Trisha Reddin, who bakes treats for 5th Street Bagelry.
Portneuf Valley Commercial Kitchen is ideal for prepping food for catering or big events, major canning projects, food start-ups, cooking classes and cooking in large batches.
“This [Portneuf Valley Commercial Kitchen] is for people with a passion for cooking,” said Stark. “They can bring a team or cook solo using their ingredients and our professional equipment in a guaranteed-sanitary kitchen. We are food truck friendly and have temp-controlled storage available.”
Stark noted that businesses using the facility must have their own food licenses.
Stark credits BSR Commercial Food Equipment out of Idaho Falls for advising her on equipment purchases for the business. She’s also grateful to her husband Marty and their three children for supporting her new endeavor.
As if Stark isn’t busy enough with her family, the apple cider business and Portneuf Valley Commercial Kitchen, she has also been a dog trainer for nearly 10 years and owns Flippin’N Dog Training in Pocatello.
“Thankfully, the kitchen manages itself,” said Stark. “Since we never close, clients reserve their space and use a keybot to let themselves in. Everyone has been respectful and leaves the place very clean.”
Since Portneuf Valley Commercial Kitchen is in an industrial warehouse, Stark said there is room for future expansion.
In the meantime, Stark encourages anyone interested in using Portneuf Valley Commercial Kitchen to send a Direct Message or call 208-705-4535.
