Start a Food Business
If you are interested in starting a food business in our district, we want to talk to you! Beginning day one as a food entrepreneur can seem like an insurmountable task but we hope to be one of your biggest allies in finding the right resources to start your business and keep it thriving. We have programs, commercial kitchen spaces, grants, and guidance that you need to get your business off of the ground.
Detroit Kitchen Connect
Budding food entrepreneurs need love and support. Happily, Detroit Kitchen Connect provides a supportive, interactive environment where food entrepreneurs can seek a network of licensed, food-safe, shared-use cooking space to get started building a food business. In addition to the Eastern Market Community Kitchen, Eastern Market Partnership has added The Eastern Market Accelerator, a 5 production suite facility for businesses that have “graduated” out of the shared-use, community kitchen and need dedicated food-safe space in order to scale.
Interested in applying to Detroit Kitchen Connect? Register for our Getting Started in a Commercial Kitchen class here!
The class covers the following important topics to get you started:
- Licensing through the Michigan Department of Agriculture or the Department of Health
- Food Safety education and certification
- Kitchen costs and storage fees
- Application process
- Approved equipment
- Food Truck 101
- Recipe standardization
- Access to technical support networks
Interested in renting the kitchen for a one-off event? Learn more here.
Interested in renting space in the Eastern Market Accelerator? APPLY HERE.
Food Safety
Food safety (by Michigan Department of Agriculture guidelines) is fundamental to everything we do at Eastern Market. Our vendors are mandated by the state to be certified in Food Safety Training, practicing Minimum Safe Standards for food sampling and safe food handling.
P.I.C. (Person In Charge) partners with Eastern Market Partnership to ensure proper food sanitation and provide food safety training and certification through a broad range of classes.
Review and register for classes here!
Failure to comply can result in code enforcement, more frequent inspections, limited licensing and possible closure.
This video, offered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, examines another health issue—outside groups possibly tampering with foods.
FEAST Detroit
FEAST Detroit is an exceptional provider of specialty food manufacturing services, including co-packing, for growing businesses. It concentrates on producing shelf stable products and utilizing local supply chains in order to bring agriculture and manufacturing full-circle. FEAST is licensed by the Michigan Department of Agricultural and Rural Development (MDARD) and registered through the FDA.
Welcome Center Hours
Stop in to ask a question, get maps and recipes, or present your Bridge Card to receive tokens accepted at many vendors under the sheds.
- Saturday 7am-4pm (year-round)
- Tuesday 9am-3pm (June-Sept.)
- Sunday 10am-4pm (June-Sept.)
District shops and restaurants are open after shed hours.
Check our directory for specifics.
1445 Adelaide, Detroit, MI 48207
(between Sheds 2 and 3)
Give Back to Eastern Market

Our work as a nonprofit includes managing the public market and operating programs to strengthen Metro Detroit’s food sector. We operate programs that increase access to healthy food and incubate and accelerate the growth of food businesses. Donate today & become a Friend of Eastern Market!
DONATEWork for Eastern Market

Eastern Market Corporation is looking for qualified people like you to help us nourish a healthier, wealthier, and happier Detroit. Click below to check our current job openings and see if you might be a good fit with our team!
APPLY NOW