The Health Department is closed Monday, Sept. 7, for the Labor Day holiday.

    • Operating a Commissary Kitchen

    A commissary kitchen is a permitted food establishment where operators make, store, portion or package food. Caterers, mobile food operators, temporary event vendors, and some to-go style restaurants must use a commissary kitchen.

    Commissary kitchens do not serve food on site.

    A commissary permit allows other food vendors to obtain their own permit and the appropriate equipment and space to make and sell food.  

    More than one operator may use the same kitchen.

    The number of people a commissary can support depends on how much space is available. This includes refrigeration space.

    You need a permit to open a commissary kitchen.

    Washington State food code requires commissaries to have a permit. You must submit a plan review application and get final approval before operators can use your kitchen. To apply, submit a plan review application.

    Commissary kitchens need the right equipment.

    Operators must be able to prepare food safely. Kitchens need equipment like:

    • Sinks.
    • Refrigeration.
    • Cooking equipment.
    • A walk-in cooler to support most operators, menus and processes.

    Learn more about what you need to operate a commissary.

    A commissary kitchen provides space for operators to make, store, portion, or package food. Certain operators must use a commissary:

    • Caterers.
    • Mobile food operators.
    • Temporary event vendors.
    • Some to-go style restaurants.

    Benefits of a commissary permit.

    When your business has a commissary permit, you make it easier for food businesses to find a kitchen that supports their operation.

    If you own both a mobile unit and the food establishment it uses as a commissary, you don’t need a commissary permit.

    For example, if own a dine-in restaurant and a food truck, you don’t need a commissary permit. If you want to allow other food businesses to use your kitchen, you need to apply for a permit.

    All permitted food establishments must connect to public water and sanitary sewer or septic. This change doesn’t affect mobile food units that move daily.

    What do you need to do?

    • Existing facilities—You don’t need to do anything if you currently operate with holding tanks. But, if you make a change to your facility, you need to submit a variance application. This includes plan review to change your menu or processes or if a change of ownership occurs.
    • New facilities—You may submit a variance application with your plan review. Applying for a variance does not guarantee approval.

    With a variance you can operate with a limited menu, such as coffee or commercially made foods.

    You must use a commissary to support the operations of the food establishment, like:

    • Filling and emptying holding tanks.
    • Employee restroom access.
    • Mop sink for cleaning the food establishment.

    Want to open or buy a food establishment that operates with holding tanks?

    Get a consult to see what you need to operate safely and meet code requirements. Visit the Health Department or call us at (253) 649-1417.

    Questions?

    Contact us at (253) 649-1417 or food@tpchd.org.

    Do you need a commissary kitchen?

    The list below offers details on every permitted commissary kitchen in Pierce County. Match your business needs to the features each offers.

    You’ll need to contact the kitchen to find out if it has available capacity.

    Pierce County permitted commissary kitchens

    TitleStreet addressCityPhone numberFeatures/limitationshf:tax:kitchen-featurehf:tax:kitchen-city
    7-12 Food Store4002 Center StTacoma(253) 272-3672❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinkno-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinktacoma
    72nd Commissary1124 72nd ST ETacoma(253) 961-1036⚠️Limited refrigeration, ✅ Produce prep sink, ❌ No meat prep sinklimited-refrigeration produce-prep-sink no-meat-prep-sinktacoma
    Allen Russell Conference Center1321 Martin Luther King Jr WAYTacoma(316) 371-9393✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    Anglea’s7511 Portland Ave ETacoma(253) 531-9329✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    Austin Pro Max20027 Mountain HWY ESpanaway(254) 847-7878⚠️Limited refrigeration, ❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinklimited-refrigeration no-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinkspanaway
    Berliner Beerhall2401 Pacific AVETacoma(206) 786-2561✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    Big J’s Outdoor Store107 Calistoga ST WOrting(360) 893-7900⚠️Limited refrigerationlimited-refrigerationorting
    Birrieria Y Mariscos La Cocina10924 Bridgeport WAY SWLakewood(253) 625-5937✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolerlakewood
    Bliss Small Batch Creamery1520 Wilmington DRDupont(253) 391-6593⚠️Limited refrigeration, ✅ Produce prep sink, ❌ No meat prep sinklimited-refrigeration produce-prep-sink no-meat-prep-sinkdupont
    Brix on Main102 N River AVEBuckley(253) 470-8087✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolerbuckley
    Buckley Kitchen and Bakery28120 State Route 410 E, STE A4Buckley(360) 761-1227✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolerbuckley
    Catholic Community Services- Saint Lawrence5705 Main ST SWLakewood(206) 972-2911✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolerlakewood
    Cheers Espresso4824 S Tacoma WayTacoma(253) 921-3128⚠️Limited refrigeration, ❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinklimited-refrigeration no-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinktacoma
    Cheney2502 S Tyler STTacoma(253) 752-7707✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    Chester’s Chicken2518 N STEVENS STTacoma(206) 816-0093✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    Chevron #20521310421 Pacific AveTacoma(253) 537-0214✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinkwalk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinktacoma
    CLOP Associates11116 Gravelly Lake DR SWLakewood(253) 584-8408❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinkno-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinklakewood
    Cocina Mexicana3802 S Cedar St, STE BTacoma(253) 503-1024✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolerproduce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    Cooksey Auto Repair504 W Stewart AVEPuyallup(253) 848-3535❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinkno-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinkpuyallup
    Credence7520 147th ST CT EPuyallup(253) 224-4118⚠️Limited refrigeration, ✅ Produce prep sink, ❌ No meat prep sinklimited-refrigeration produce-prep-sink no-meat-prep-sinkpuyallup
    Days Inn Lakewood9325 S Tacoma WayLakewood(253) 400-6471⚠️Limited refrigeration, ✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sinklimited-refrigeration meat-prep-sink produce-prep-sinklakewood
    Dombrowski Catering3544 S Wilkeson STTacoma(253) 472-1718✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    Don’s Drive-In Commissary925 S MeridianPuyallup(253) 845-1790✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sinkproduce-prep-sink walk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sinkpuyallup
    Dryer Masonic Center306 134th ST STacoma(253) 537-9928✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    Eagles #138729021 State Route 410Buckley(360) 829-1151⚠️Limited refrigeration, ✅ Produce prep sinklimited-refrigeration produce-prep-sinkbuckley
    Eazy Mart924 E Main AVEPuyallup(253) 353-4233✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinkwalk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinkpuyallup
    Edison Square5415 South Tacoma WAYTacoma(253) 921-8200✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    El Canelo6019 Parker RD ESumner(253) 486-7172✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolersumner
    Fife Business Center4630 16TH ST E,Fife(206) 798-8395✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sinkproduce-prep-sink walk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sinkfife
    Finholm’s Grocery & Deli8812 N Harborview DrGig Harbor(253) 320-1969✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sinkproduce-prep-sink walk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sinkgig-harbor
    Finnwicks Kitchen2515 6th AVETacoma(253) 732-3756⚠️Limited refrigeration, ✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sinklimited-refrigeration meat-prep-sink produce-prep-sinktacoma
    Firehouse Pub (The)720 Main STBuckley(253) 576-6596✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sinkproduce-prep-sink walk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sinkbuckley
    Fox Island Grocery & Deli587 6th AveFox Island(253) 549-2124✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sinkproduce-prep-sink walk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sinkfox-island
    Fraternal Order of Eagles Daffodil Aerie #23081106 E MainPuyallup(253) 845-5021✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolerpuyallup
    Frederickson Market17519 Canyon Rd EPuyallup(206) 409-6092✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolerpuyallup
    Freighthouse Square2501 E D STTacoma(253) 255-1731✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinkwalk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinktacoma
    Frey Family Farm Kitchen28411 SR 706 EAshford(253) 677-9393✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolerashford
    Gig Harbor Chevron5115 Olympic Dr NWGig Harbor(253) 649-9600✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sinkproduce-prep-sink walk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sinkgig-harbor
    Good Vibes Espresso Commissary2924 112th St ETacoma(253) 592-0685⚠️Limited refrigeration, ❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinklimited-refrigeration no-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinktacoma
    Gourmet Niche7104 6th AVETacoma(253) 820-2363✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    Hacienda Tequila29401 State Route 410 EBuckley(360) 761-7329✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolerbuckley
    Harbor Marina LLC (The)3117 Harborview DRGig Harbor(253) 858-3535⚠️Limited refrigeration, ✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sinklimited-refrigeration meat-prep-sink produce-prep-sinkgig-harbor
    Hometown Charm Cafe1012 Main STSumner(253) 987-7633✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sinkproduce-prep-sink walk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sinksumner
    Impressive Signs & Graphics2615 E Main STPuyallup(253) 217-0860❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinkno-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinkpuyallup
    Josefina’s Kitchen1213 S Woodlawn STTacoma(253) 414-8913✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    La Perla Tapatia11401 Steele ST S, STE 101Tacoma(206) 519-2546✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    La Tentacion Tacos and Tequila9124 Veterans DR SWTacoma(253) 249-2370✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    LeMay Collections at Marymount325 152nd ST ETacoma(253) 272-2336⚠️Limited refrigeration, ✅ Produce prep sink, ❌ No meat prep sinklimited-refrigeration produce-prep-sink no-meat-prep-sinktacoma
    Los Amigos Mini Market & Restaurant6402 South Tacoma WAY BTacoma(253) 517-0001✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    Luna’s Tienda Y Carniceria LLC201 S 40th STTacoma(206) 498-9104✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    Marzano’s516 Garfield St STacoma(253) 537-4191✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinkwalk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinktacoma
    McLendon Hardware1111 Fryar AveSumner(253) 891-3998❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinkno-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinksumner
    Meridian Food Mart11802 Meridian St EPuyallup(206) 226-5595✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinkwalk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinkpuyallup
    My Commercial Kitchen3812 S Wright AVETacoma(253) 442-5454✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    Narrows Marina9007 S 19TH STTacoma(253) 564-3032❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinkno-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinktacoma
    North Coach Commissary and Deli2710 142nd Ave ESumner(253) 632-2768✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolersumner
    Opportunity Center of Orting112 Train ST SWOrting(360) 872-8252❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinkno-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinkorting
    Panaderia & Taqueria La Placita2510 S 84th ST S, STE 33Lakewood(253) 906-6545✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolerlakewood
    Papa Murphy’s Take/Bake Pizza13720 Pacific Ave STacoma(253) 535-3257⚠️Limited refrigeration, ✅ Produce prep sink, ❌ No meat prep sinklimited-refrigeration produce-prep-sink no-meat-prep-sinktacoma
    Pen Met Parks- Commissary2416 14TH AVE NWGig Harbor(253) 858-3400❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinkno-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinkgig-harbor
    Productos Garcia1508 S 80th STTacoma(425) 260-8138✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    Puyallup Community Kitchen109 E StewartPuyallup(253) 256-1585✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolerpuyallup
    South Sound Commissary6023 Parker RD ESumner(253) 281-6906✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolersumner
    Spotted Cow Commissary9901 Portland AVE ETacoma(253) 627-8000⚠️Limited refrigeration, ✅ Produce prep sink, ❌ No meat prep sinklimited-refrigeration produce-prep-sink no-meat-prep-sinktacoma
    Stacks Burgers14906 Pacific AVE SParkland(253) 881-5550✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolerparkland
    Starvin Marvin Commissary9121 39th AVE SW B1Lakewood(253) 355-7269⚠️Limited refrigeration, ✅ Produce prep sink, ❌ No meat prep sinklimited-refrigeration produce-prep-sink no-meat-prep-sinklakewood
    Sue’s Way2365 Tacoma AVE STacoma(253) 651-3794✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sinkproduce-prep-sink walk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sinktacoma
    Sumalee Thai Cuisine20831 State Route 410Bonney Lake(253) 826-3514✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolerbonney-lake
    Sumner School District Bakery19701 104th St E # BBonney Lake(253) 891-6400bonney-lake
    Super Saver Foods (Parkland) #48813322 Pacific Ave STacoma(253) 537-0281✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sink, ❌ No produce prep sinkwalk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sink no-produce-prep-sinktacoma
    Tacoma Dome – Main Kitchen2727 E D StTacoma(253) 830-6601✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in cooler, ❌ No meat prep sinkproduce-prep-sink walk-in-cooler no-meat-prep-sinktacoma
    Tacos Y Mariscos Nayarit6308 E McKinley AveTacoma(253) 474-3642✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma
    Taqueria El Rinconsito2606 70th AVE CT E, STE 104Fife(253) 830-3030✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolerfife
    Tijuana Taco10005 Bristol AVE SWLakewood(253) 588-4621✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolerlakewood
    UPS – Student Union1500 N Warner STTacoma(253) 879-3100tacoma
    Village of India1824 S MeridianPuyallup(206) 313-5824⚠️Limited refrigeration, ✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sinklimited-refrigeration meat-prep-sink produce-prep-sinkpuyallup
    Whimsy’s Kitchen5602 S Washington STTacoma(360) 890-7282✅ Meat prep sink, ✅ Produce prep sink, ✅ Walk-in coolermeat-prep-sink produce-prep-sink walk-in-coolertacoma