It all begins with an idea...

Have you always dreamed of starting a food business? Are you ready to take your entrepreneurial dreams to the next level? Whether you're just starting with a seed of an idea or you're already in full swing with production, we've got a membership option that’s perfect for you!

Why Become a Member?

At Fork Food Lab, we’re more than just a shared kitchen space—we’re a vibrant community of like-minded foodies who support and inspire each other. Here’s why joining Fork Food Lab could be the best decision for your food business:

Access to Top-Notch Facilities: From state-of-the-art kitchen equipment to specialized spaces like a fermentation room and our upcoming USDA-certified meat manufacturing area, we’ve got everything you need to bring your big ideas to life!
Unmatched Support and Resources: Need help navigating the ins and outs of starting food business? Enjoy 1:1 start-up assistance, mentorship, educational resources, and promotional support!
Networking & Collaboration Opportunities: Connect with other passionate food entrepreneurs, engage in networking events, and explore collaborative endeavors.
Exclusive Perks: Gain direct access to Maine-grown food, take advantage of collective buying programs, and benefit from various opportunities within our expansive network. Plus, with upcoming additions like our demo kitchen and event space, the sky's the limit as far as workshops, parties, and more!

click here to see a full list of membership tiers & pricing

So that we can best asses your needs, please fill out a new member inquiry form. After you have submitted a form, we will reach out to schedule an introductory phone call.

submit a new member inquiry

Before you start cooking…

The first thing we recommend is developing a business plan! A business plan is an organized document that reviews your fixed and variable costs and helps you hold yourself accountable to your business goals.

If you need support in developing a business plan, please reach out to CEI or the Maine Small Business Development Center.

We’re excited to cook with you! These requirements must be in place before you can schedule your first kitchen shift. This document is provided for guidance only and it is your responsibility to meet all of the regulatory requirements for your business.

Complete an ANSI-approved Food Safety Manager course. ServSafe is the most popular but any ANSI-recognized manager level certificate is acceptable.
While ServSafe is the most well known Food Protection Management Course, there are many alternatives, such as the 360 Training Course.
The Maine Allergen Awareness Certification is a comprehensive training and certification program that equips food service professionals with the knowledge and skills to safely handle allergenic ingredients, reduce the risk of cross-contamination, and cater to customers with allergies effectively. This initiative helps to ensure that individuals with food allergies can dine out with confidence, knowing that their dietary needs will be met with the utmost care.
General Liability & Product Liability
All businesses producing in the shared commercial kitchen facility must provide a certificate of insurance covering themselves and their business for $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in aggregate for both general and product.
Please note that you do not need proof of liability insurance until your first day cooking in the kitchen.
Annual policies with Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP) start at $299. Fork Food Lab members receive a $10 discount at checkout with proprietary code.
The following entities must be listed as additional insureds:
Fork Food Lab
95 Darling Ave.
South Portland, ME 04106