Catering and Pets

It all depends on your state. Each has it's own laws and regulations. I'm also learning that it can vary per county also.

California just started allowing "home kitchens" for certain non-hazzardous items such as bread, cookies, cakes, certain vinegar based thing i believe. From what I have read so far, dogs are not allowed in the kitchen area when being used for commercial endeavors, meaning lock them in the bedroom or outside. Your HD may or may not follow this guideline. We have 2 small dogs and one is a Service Dog. According to ADA we can take that 1 dog anywhere we go, including into the highest upscale restaurants in the nation. don't know how that would fly though in the kitchen. In your case I would use the dont ask-dont tell rule. If they catch on to the fact you have dogs, be adamant about them either being outside dogs, or locked up when you are cooking, if they balk make them show you the rule in writing for clarification. Oh, and I don't think they can stop you from having "outside" security dogs :wink: In 20 years of construction dealing with inspectors I have found at times its easier to do it and ask forgiveness than it is to ask for permission when you think you will get shot down.

Your county health department is where to start. It used to be, that you could not cater or prepare foods unless it was a commercial kitchen with a separate entry from your main house. No domicile, sleeping quarters or bathroom could open into the kitchen or storage area. That has changed.

GMDGeek said:

The person I spoke with on the phone indicated if I could show that the dogs had not access to the kitchen while prepping then it shouldn't be a problem. Seeing how I just child proofed my house and have kiddo gates at both entrances to the kitchen - easy enough.

There is a ton of stuff I have to do before I even have to get to that step sounds like.

1 - LLC / Trademark
2 - Insurance
3 - Food Handling Class / Certifiction
4 - Food Protection Class
5 - Home / Mobile Cook Inspection

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Thanks for posting the information you learned from you HD, I always appreciate hearing what other need to do.

GMDGeek said:

The person I spoke with on the phone indicated if I could show that the dogs had not access to the kitchen while prepping then it shouldn't be a problem. Seeing how I just child proofed my house and have kiddo gates at both entrances to the kitchen - easy enough.

There is a ton of stuff I have to do before I even have to get to that step sounds like.

1 - LLC / Trademark
2 - Insurance
3 - Food Handling Class / Certifiction
4 - Food Protection Class
5 - Home / Mobile Cook Inspection

Click to expand...

You left out the most important "stuff"

Learn how to run a business, learn how to calculate food costs, labor costs and prime costs.

You can get all the insurance, food handling classes, inspections, etc. you want.....

But if you don't know how to run a business.......you know what happens.

GMDGeek said:

So I live in Dallas, Texas. I have 2 dogs which to my understanding rules out my ability to use my indoors kitchen for catering. Not very familiar with the rules as of yet. I will be contacting the health department in the next few weeks but before I do, I want to educate myself further.

I have a competition style offset pit with a separate chicken cooker. The plan is to sell BBQ with some sides. The pit has stand alone running hot water.

What in y'all's opinion is needed for a food vending operation to pass health inspection and get a license?

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Do you want to cater or be a food vendor, or is it the same in Texas?

like everyone is saying, start with your HD, that where yoiur education will come from.....just saying..