In 2019, Nikki began hosting pop-up events and supper clubs while also offering plant-based meal prep and crafting small-batch food products. Like many in the industry, she adapted to changing circumstances. By 2020, she was offering personal chef services, and in 2022 she launched Plated by Nikki in order to bring her unique approach to meal prep to an even larger audience.

From Inspiration to Innovation

Nikki’s health journey has deeply influenced her approach to cooking, inspiring her to focus on nutritious and satisfying meals. Working closely with private clients to design custom menus has shown her the importance of creativity and adaptability in meeting diverse health needs and family preferences. Through these experiences, she’s proven that eating well can be both flavorful and varied, highlighting the joy in wholesome, nourishing food.

Plated by Nikki will soon introduce a small kids’ menu, featuring recipes tested and approved by even the pickiest eaters. Many dishes will include hidden veggies, making them both delicious and nutrient-packed. Highlights include Turkey Kale Meatballs, Macaroni Bolognese with their veggie-rich marinara, and Mac & Cheese with a veggie-infused cheese sauce.

Customized Meals, Crafted with Care

Nikki’s meal prep service combines convenience, nutrition, and exceptional taste. Meals are offered a la carte and packaged family-style, letting you mix and match proteins, sides, and sauces to suit your preferences. Her menus include gluten-free, vegetarian, and meat-based options, ensuring something for everyone.

Plated by Nikki emphasizes quality with organic proteins and produce, pasture-raised eggs, and grass-fed meats, avoiding unwanted additives like antibiotics or hormones. Transparent nutritional information empowers you to make informed choices, and eco-friendly, compostable packaging means you can enjoy meals sustainably and guilt-free.

The Commissary Advantage: A Platform for Growth

Operating out of Garden State Kitchen has been a valuable resource as Nikki adjusts and expands her services. With access to shared resources, professional equipment, and reduced overhead, our kitchen provides food entrepreneurs the flexibility to refine their offerings, test new ideas, and scale operations. This environment meets the needs of various business models, allowing entrepreneurs like Nikki to focus on perfecting their craft and responding to market demands efficiently.

By sharing Nikki’s journey, we celebrate not only her achievements but also the benefits of a supportive culinary ecosystem. For anyone considering a step into the food business, Garden State Kitchen might just be the perfect place to start—or restart—their journey.

The post Carving Out Her Place in the Food Industry appeared first on Garden State Kitchen.

Our members who run meal prep companies cook for families, vegans, fitness trainers, and more. They say access to an affordable commercial kitchen is important, but there’s more to it than that. We checked in and put together a list of the top 10 things they need to succeed. Here’s how our members save time and money when it’s time to cook for their customers.

#1 – Fully Loaded Catering Kitchens

Meal prep companies tell us our large kitchens have everything they need to fill weekly orders – and then some. They also use them to prep for parties or cater weddings or other special events. Flow and functionality is what they appreciate most. Our kitchen layout is efficient and all the equipment you need is right there in the space you rent. There’s a sink, refrigerator, 6-burner range, flat top, 5-rack convection baking oven, and two stainless steel prep tables. There’s also a deep fryer if you need one, or a char broiler – the best way to grill all those chicken breasts just the way your customers like them.

Our members also tell us it feels like you’re working in your own kitchen, even if just for the day. While there are other kitchens in the building, the one you rent is yours – no competing for space or equipment.

There’s also plenty of room when it’s time to portion and pack up your food. You can rent a speed rack at the last minute, too, if you need temporary storage. This means you can roll large orders into the walk-in and chill them overnight. They’ll be ready to go when you return in the morning to start delivery.

#2 – We’re Open 24/7

Are you a night owl? Come in and prep all night. Early birds, we’ve got you too. Garden State Kitchen is open 24 hours. We are ready when you are, no matter what time it is, or what you’re cooking up for your customers.

#3 – On-site Dishwashing!

Yes, we do the dishes – your dishes! All our members tell us that working in a full-service kitchen – the only one in NJ – is a huge perk. They say the convenience of on-site dishwashing saves them time, and even reduces stress. After cooking for customers all day, the last thing they want to do is wash dishes. We get it. That’s why we take care of it. Our professional cleaning staff washes all the pots, pans, equipment, utensils, and more. They also make sure everything is sanitized, organized, and ready to go for our members. It’s a no-brainer.

#4 – Collaboration and Community

We take pride in our collaborative community of food entrepreneurs. While each meal prep company that cooks here has its own specialty, they share one thing in common: They are all growing food businesses cooking to keep their customers happy.

Since our kitchens are next to each other, members can meet and work together if they want to. This happens all the time. We see companies share tips on suppliers, staffing, food packaging, and more. We’ve even seen companies team up to bring their customers something new. One made dinners that featured a member’s special spice mix. Another offered seasonal desserts as an add-on. They cross promoted to boost customer awareness and strengthen both businesses. It’s a classic win-win situation.

#5 – A Big Selection of Small Wares

Sometimes you forget to bring a peeler. Or maybe you just need another one to get the job done faster. We have a large selection of kitchen tools ready for you to use while you’re here. Our shelves are filled with knives, spatulas, tongs, funnels, measuring spoons, just about any type of small ware, just in case. These are clutch for that time you didn’t know you’d need a grater. Or when your employee forgot their chefs knife. It’s all here if you need it.

#6 – No Monthly Fees

We understand the importance of flexibility when you’re starting to grow your business. Our kitchen on demand model means you don’t have to commit to monthly fees or a certain number of hours. You pay only for the time you need, starting with our four-hour minimum. This works well for our member meal prep companies who have different needs on different days. When their filling orders for family dinner, they spend a full day in one of our catering kitchens. Later in the week, they may just need four hours to prep and pack light lunches. At Garden State Kitchen you pay for what you need, when they need it. Nothing more and nothing less.

#7 – Storage Shelves

Since meal prep companies tend to make many types of meals on the same day, they like to store their spices and staples at Garden State Kitchen. Some also use our dry storage area to hold to-go packaging, bulk ingredients, special tools, whatever they need to cook and fill orders. They say it’s worth it to not have to store everything at home and then move it back and forth each time they come to cook. To save even more time, some rent space in our walk-in refrigerator. They say it’s nice to have everything ready and waiting for them.

#8 – Coworking Space

Sometimes you need professional space that isn’t made for cooking. Our coworking loft with desks, wifi, and a printer, is yours to use at no extra cost. Bring your laptop and confirm orders or reconcile billing. Or just take a quick break and have a snack.

#9 – Member’s Pantry

Did you forget your salt? No problem. We have a box and you can use some at no extra cost. We keep a selection of basic items on hand for our members to use in a pinch. They tell us this is a true convenience. It’s much easier and cost-effective than running to the store while you’re paying for kitchen time.

#10 – Maintenance and Repairs Are Covered

When a Vitamix breaks, we fix it. When it snows, we plow the parking lot. And if a scale stops working, we replace it. We take pride in maintaining our space and making repairs as quickly as possible. We also cover these hidden costs of doing business so you don’t have to. Our meal prep customers tell us they prefer to spend time cooking instead of worrying about equipment and repairs. We’re happy to make sure everything works when it’s supposed to.

Come See What We Mean

If you’d like to learn more about any of our kitchens, or the services we provide, we’d love to show them to you. Why not take a tour? You can check out our video here. Even better, book a time to come see us in person. It’s the best way to decide if Garden State Kitchen is the right place for you to grow your food business.

The post 10 Reasons Meal Prep Companies Love Us (and You Will Too) appeared first on Garden State Kitchen.