Starting a food business in Metro Vancouver without a huge upfront investment often means using a commissary (shared) kitchen. Here's a current look at key players, pricing, and what to watch for — plus how Sincerely Kitchen stacks up.
Pricing Comparison (Monthly)
| Hours / Month | YVR Prep | Holly Cow | North Shore | New West | Good to Grow | Sincerely Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 hrs | – | – | – | – | – | $750 |
| 30 hrs | – | – | – | – | ~$1,050 | $850 |
| 40 hrs | ~$955 | – | – | – | – | $950 |
| 60 hrs | – | – | – | ~$1,060 | – | $1,150 |
| 80 hrs | – | – | $1,500 | ~$1,425 | – | $1,350 |
| 90 hrs | $1,650 | ~$1,8751 | – | – | – | $1,450 |
1Holly Cow range $1,750–$2,000 depending on package.
Most commissary kitchens advertise weekly rates. We've converted everything to monthly for easy comparison.
Notes:
- All competitor prices are converted to monthly using 4.5 weeks/month where needed.
- Some kitchens don't offer plans at every tier; costs shown are the closest comparable package.
How Sincerely Kitchen Compares
- Membership rate: $750–$1,450 / month
- Deposit only required before you apply for Fraser Health approval (~1.5 months)
- Start date for membership is chosen when you sign the agreement (you pay membership only from your start date)
- No build-out needed, no large equipment purchase — everything you need is provided in the kitchen
- Timeline to launch: ~1.5 months from initial deposit to approval and cooking
What to Look For in a Commissary Kitchen
- Storage (cold, freezer, dry)
- Equipment list & condition
- Hours of access
- Hidden fees (cleaning, maintenance, extra storage, parking)
- How the facility handles licensing / health inspections
- Location & convenience for your supply chain / deliveries
Bottom Line
If you're just starting and budget is tight, many shared kitchens are now in the $1,000–$2,500/month range depending on usage. But Sincerely Kitchen offers an entry point under $1,000/month, with lower risk (no big upfront buildout) and faster start.