If you've confirmed you need a Central Preparation Facility and don't qualify for the exemption, the next question is which one. Not every commissary is built the same way, and the wrong choice can cost you time at your DSHS inspection even if the kitchen itself is perfectly legitimate.
Start With What DSHS Actually Wants to See
A Central Preparation Facility is a permitted food establishment where you handle the parts of your operation your truck can't — bulk food storage, prep work beyond your vehicle's capacity, and servicing your vehicle (cleaning, filling water tanks, dumping wastewater). At your pre-licensing inspection, you need a signed CPF authorization letter and the CPF's own current, valid health inspection report. Both documents need to be ready and current — not "we have an arrangement," but actual paperwork the inspector can review.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign Anything
- Is their permit current and in good standing? Ask to see their most recent health inspection report directly — don't take their word for it.
- Will they actually provide a signed CPF authorization letter? Some shared kitchens are set up for catering or ghost-kitchen tenants and aren't used to the mobile food vendor authorization paperwork DSHS requires. Confirm they know what you need before you commit.
- Do they have wastewater dump and water fill capability? Not every commercial kitchen is equipped for vehicle servicing specifically — some are prep-only spaces without the infrastructure to dump your tanks or refill potable water.
- What hours can you actually access it? A commissary that closes before your typical evening service ends doesn't work for a truck doing dinner and late-night hours.
- What's the actual cost structure? Monthly flat fee, per-use fee, or a combination — get this in writing before you're relying on it for your DSHS documentation.
Shared Commissaries vs. Dedicated Commercial Kitchens
Texas's major metros — Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin — all have a growing shared commissary market built specifically for food truck and catering operators. These tend to be more familiar with CPF documentation requirements than a general commercial kitchen rental, simply because mobile food vendors are their core client base. In smaller markets, you may be working with a restaurant or commercial kitchen that occasionally hosts outside tenants, where the CPF paperwork process might be less familiar to them.
What Happens If Your CPF Falls Through Later
Your CPF arrangement isn't a one-time check at your original inspection — it's part of your ongoing operation. If your commissary closes, loses its permit, or you simply move on from the relationship, you need a new authorization in place before your next inspection or renewal. Don't wait until your license is up for renewal to discover your CPF situation has lapsed.
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- Confirm whether you actually need a CPF or qualify for the exemption based on your equipment
- Vet any commissary on their permit status and inspection history before committing
- Get the CPF authorization letter and their inspection report in hand well before your DSHS appointment
- Confirm their hours and servicing capability actually match how you operate