Vancouvers’ North Shore is such a diverse and fun community. With some of the best outdoor and water access anywhere in the world. The quality of life here is second to none, and this brings a lot of talented professionals to the community. Given the region is a tourism and hospitality hub, and considering the international context of the people here, there are truly awesome eateries throughout the North Shore.
With the prices of real estate and upkeep on a private food preparation space, many local food and drink-based business owners are prepping their products in community kitchens with others in the same industry. Allowing a cost reduction on production and the potential for collaboration with our locals in the community. Pretty cool.
In this article, we get to chat with Morgan Farrell who is the operations manager of North Shore Commissary.
North Shore Commissary has become such a community hub, which companies, producers, and brands work out of your space?
The North Shore Commissary is currently home to the following businesses:
Bon Vivant Catering & Events
Manna Sacred Meals
Solecito Foods
Holly Food
Baba’s House
Smart N Local
Good 2 Go Catering & Food Service
Veganess Bakehouse
Folia Events
Chefspoon
Elite Soup
Jung & Walker Hot Sauce
Lonely Toast
Char Blue Premium Spice Rubs
What is new and changing in the community kitchen space, in terms of equipment, services, and setup for users?
We are currently in the process of expanding our facility, which will double the amount of full-time members we can accommodate once we have the doors open. We are adding more convection ovens, a steam oven, and packing equipment to our equipment roster, increasing the amount of shared workstations for smaller businesses, and dramatically expanding our storage capacity.
What are some of the things you have learned and improved upon over the years at the North Shore Commissary?
We have learned that our members require a fair amount of flexibility in order to operate their businesses appropriately, so a “one size fits all” approach doesn’t always work. How to create and implement effective workplace policies that provide adequate structure while still being dynamic enough to allow for some necessary accommodations has been a very important lesson for us.
If local food-based businesses want to use your space, how can they apply to become clients of your kitchen?
The best way to apply is through our website, northshorecommissary.com
Have you ever considered doing events or food tastings in the community kitchen, and if so would you allow them?
We certainly have considered it! Unfortunately, however, we are unable to host events in our facility.
Outside of operating the North Shore Commissary, what do you get up to for hobbies in your personal time?
The owner of the North Shore Commissary, Ryan, is an avid mountain biker, and can often be found on one of the North Shore’s fantastic trails.
Lastly, is there anything else you would like the community to know about you or your business?
There is, but it is less about us as a business and more about the gratitude we feel toward the amazing community in North Vancouver. All our neighboring businesses have always been super helpful if we have ever needed anything, and Rob and Stephanie from Westrock Property Management have been very supportive throughout our expansion project. We are extremely appreciative of everyone who has helped us operate in such a wonderful location!
