The Q – Commercial Kitchen & Commissary

Retail Food Opportunities Pricing
A lower-risk path, not casual kitchen rental

Retail food opportunities at The Q are for approved operators who want to prepare food in The Q’s permitted commercial kitchen and sell directly to the public through scheduled takeout, pickup, preorder, or limited retail service.

This is different from ordinary kitchen access.

Production-only kitchen users pay through kitchen-access tiers. Retail food operators do not use the tier system. Retail arrangements are approved and priced separately based on the concept, schedule, equipment needs, storage needs, customer pickup needs, and level of access requested.

The Q is designed to lower the barrier to entry.

It is not designed to eliminate the need for planning, commitment, and investment.

Required before retail operation begins

Before an approved retail operator may begin, The Q may require:

  • completed application / approval
  • signed operator agreement
  • approved menu
  • approved schedule
  • approved equipment plan
  • approved storage plan
  • proof of required licensing, insurance, or permits
  • completed orientation / onboarding
  • first month or pilot payment
  • nonrefundable onboarding fee
  • refundable security / cleaning / equipment deposit

No retail operator may begin service until all required approvals, payments, and agreements are complete.

Retail Operator Onboarding Fee

A one-time Retail Operator Onboarding Fee applies to approved retail operators.

Retail Operator Onboarding Fee: $500

This fee is nonrefundable once onboarding begins.

It may cover:

  • orientation
  • planning meetings
  • menu and workflow review
  • scheduling setup
  • access setup
  • cleaning / reset procedures
  • pickup / handoff planning
  • review of equipment and storage needs
  • launch coordination

This fee is separate from deposits, monthly access charges, storage charges, equipment charges, and any required permits, insurance, or licensing.

Refundable Retail Deposit

Retail operators are required to pay a refundable security / cleaning / equipment deposit before beginning.

Standard Retail Deposit: $750 minimum

Some concepts may require a higher deposit depending on access level, schedule, equipment use, storage needs, operator-owned equipment, after-hours access, or overall risk.

The deposit may be applied to:

  • damage
  • extra cleaning
  • unpaid balances
  • missing items
  • abandoned food or supplies
  • lost keys or access issues
  • failure to reset the space
  • improper use of equipment
  • removal or disposal of abandoned operator property

The deposit is refundable at the end of the arrangement, subject to the operator agreement.

What base retail access may include

Retail pricing should give an approved operator enough basic access to begin operating. It should not feel like every ordinary need is an extra charge.

Depending on the approved arrangement, base retail access may include:

  • scheduled kitchen use during approved times
  • use of approved shared kitchen areas
  • access to normal shared cooking or prep equipment during approved times
  • approved use of a base retail workstation
  • access to the approved front pickup / handoff area
  • normal utilities for ordinary approved use
  • limited assigned dry storage
  • limited shared refrigeration
  • dishwashing and cleanup areas
  • normal shared cleaning / sanitizing supplies
  • scheduling and basic operating coordination

Base retail access does not mean unlimited use of the building, unlimited storage, unlimited equipment, exclusive kitchen access, or a fully built-out restaurant stall.

The exact base access will be defined in the operator agreement.

Base Retail Workstation

Retail operators will normally need a customer-facing workstation or staging area in The Q’s former dining room / retail area.

For that reason, approved retail pricing includes access to a base retail workstation during the operator’s approved service window.

A base retail workstation may include:

  • an assigned or scheduled workstation area
  • a stainless work table or equivalent work surface
  • approved access to normal electrical outlets for that station
  • limited staging space for packaged orders
  • use of the approved front pickup / handoff area
  • access to shared traffic flow for customer pickup
  • temporary use of approved carts, shelves, or staging surfaces during the service window, if available

The base workstation is intended to support a focused retail pickup operation. It is not a fully built-out restaurant stall.

The base workstation does not automatically include dedicated refrigeration, dedicated freezer space, refrigerated prep tables, tabletop warmers, heated holding cabinets, display cases, specialty appliances, permanent storage of operator equipment, or custom buildout.

Additional workstation equipment or dedicated station features may require separate approval and additional monthly charges.

Included limited storage and refrigeration

Retail operators generally need some limited storage and refrigeration to operate properly.

For that reason, an approved retail arrangement may include a limited amount of assigned storage and refrigeration space as part of the base retail package.

Unless otherwise stated in the operator agreement, base retail access may include:

  • one assigned dry-storage shelf, bin, or equivalent limited storage area
  • limited shared refrigeration space for ingredients needed for the approved service schedule

All storage must be assigned by The Q. Operators may not use unassigned shelves, coolers, freezers, carts, counters, or floor space.

Included storage is intended for reasonable short-term operating needs, not bulk inventory, long-term warehousing, or unlimited product storage.

Freezer space is limited and is not automatically included unless specifically approved in writing.

Retail Pilot Option

Most retail operators should begin with a pilot.

A pilot allows the operator and The Q to test the concept, workflow, menu, customer response, pickup process, cleaning/reset, and schedule fit before expanding.

Retail Pilot

Starting at $600/month.

A pilot may include one approved weekly service window or another limited approved schedule.

Examples:

  • Friday night burger pickup
  • Saturday lunch chicken pickup
  • Thursday supper plates
  • taco night pickup
  • weekly BBQ preorder pickup
  • Sunday dessert pickup

The exact pilot schedule must be approved by The Q.

Storage beyond the base allowance, freezer space, special equipment, smoker use, chargrill use, dedicated workstation upgrades, operator-owned appliances, unusual utility use, and expanded prep time may require additional charges.

Expanded Retail Access

If a pilot works well, the operator may request an expanded schedule.

Expanded retail access may include additional service days, additional meal periods, more kitchen time, more storage, more equipment use, or a recurring retail schedule.

Expanded retail arrangements are priced case by case.

Possible starting ranges:

Retail ScheduleStarting Monthly Access
Limited pilot / one weekly service window$600/month
One recurring retail day per week$750–$900/month
Two recurring retail days per week$1,000–$1,400/month
Three recurring retail days per week$1,500–$2,000+/month
Dedicated or high-use retail arrangementCustom pricing

These are starting ranges only.

Final pricing depends on the approved concept, schedule, kitchen time, equipment needs, storage, utility load, cleanup burden, and level of access requested.

Service Blocks

Some retail concepts may operate by approved service blocks.

Standard examples may include:

  • breakfast block
  • lunch block
  • dinner block
  • supper pickup block
  • special preorder pickup block

Service-block pricing may be used for limited or occasional retail concepts, but retail operators may still be required to pay onboarding fees, deposits, monthly minimums, storage charges, equipment charges, or other approved charges.

The Q may decline block-only arrangements if the concept requires significant setup, storage, customer flow, equipment use, or schedule priority.

Workstation and Equipment Add-Ons

Some retail concepts may require more than the base workstation.

Additional charges may apply for:

  • refrigerated prep tables
  • tabletop warmers
  • heated holding equipment
  • dedicated shelving
  • dedicated carts or racks
  • display equipment
  • special electrical needs
  • dedicated station equipment
  • custom workstation setup
  • equipment brought in by the operator
  • equipment purchased or provided specifically for the operator’s concept

The Q is not automatically responsible for purchasing or providing all equipment needed for an operator’s concept.

Operators may be required to provide their own smallwares, tools, packaging, specialty equipment, consumables, and concept-specific supplies.

Any operator-owned equipment must be approved before being brought into the facility. Approval may depend on size, electrical demand, sanitation, safety, commercial suitability, storage, and compatibility with other users of the building.

Additional Storage, Refrigeration, and Freezer Charges

Additional charges may apply for storage needs beyond the base allowance, including:

  • extra dry-storage space
  • dedicated shelving
  • dedicated carts or racks
  • expanded refrigerated storage
  • freezer storage
  • bulk inventory
  • long-term storage
  • packaging storage
  • operator-owned refrigeration or freezer equipment
  • any appliance or equipment occupying floor space

Operator-owned refrigerators, freezers, or other appliances may require a separate monthly appliance placement fee based on space, electrical use, and operational impact.

Large appliances must be approved before being brought into the facility. The operator remains responsible for maintenance, cleaning, repair, food stored inside, and removal of the appliance when the arrangement ends, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Normal utilities and unusual use

Normal utilities are included for ordinary approved retail use during the operator’s scheduled times.

However, additional charges may apply for unusual or heavy utility use, including:

  • operator-owned refrigerators or freezers
  • high-demand appliances
  • dedicated electrical circuits
  • extended equipment operation
  • equipment running outside approved service windows
  • large refrigeration or freezer loads
  • special heating, holding, or cooling equipment
  • unusually heavy water, gas, or electrical use

The Q may require utility-related charges when an operator’s concept, equipment, or schedule creates costs beyond ordinary shared use.

Smoker and Chargrill Use

Smoker and chargrill use must be approved, scheduled, and coordinated separately.

Smoker

The Q has a large wood-fired smoker available to approved operators under separate terms.

Smoker use may involve additional fees, longer production windows, fuel requirements, cleanup requirements, and scheduling limits.

Chargrill

Chargrill use may be available to approved operators.

Chargrill use may require separate scheduling, fuel arrangements, cleanup/reset procedures, and additional fees depending on the concept and schedule.

What operators provide

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, retail operators are responsible for their own:

  • food inventory
  • packaging
  • labels
  • disposable goods
  • gloves and personal supplies
  • smallwares
  • knives and tools
  • approved specialty equipment
  • fryer oil, if applicable
  • fuel or wood, if applicable
  • staff / labor
  • required permits
  • required insurance
  • menu pricing
  • customer service
  • order management
  • cleanup and reset

The Q provides approved facility access under the operator agreement. The operator remains responsible for operating the food concept.

Pilot Program Discounts

The Q may occasionally offer a Pilot Operator Program for approved early operators.

Any discount applies only to charges specifically identified in writing.

Deposits, onboarding fees, storage, equipment, special access, smoker use, chargrill use, operator-owned appliance charges, and other add-ons are not discounted unless specifically agreed in writing.

First Step

The first step is a tour and conversation.

We will discuss:

  • your food concept
  • your proposed menu
  • your desired schedule
  • your kitchen needs
  • your equipment needs
  • your storage needs
  • your retail pickup plan
  • your experience
  • whether you are ready for a pilot
  • whether The Q is the right fit

After that conversation, The Q may provide a proposed retail arrangement or term sheet.

No retail arrangement is final until approved in writing.

Contact The Q

To ask about retail food opportunities, please contact us and tell us a little about your food idea.

The Q — Commercial Kitchen & Commissary
106 South Main Street
Boaz, Alabama

Call or text: 256-557-0517

____________________________________________

Retail food opportunities at The Q are for approved operators who want to prepare food in The Q’s permitted commercial kitchen and sell directly to the public through scheduled takeout, pickup, preorder, or limited retail service.

This is different from ordinary kitchen access.

Production-only kitchen users pay through kitchen-access tiers.

Retail food operators do not use the tier system. Retail arrangements are approved and priced separately based on the concept, schedule, equipment needs, storage needs, customer pickup needs, and level of access requested.

The Q is designed to lower the barrier to entry.

It is not designed to eliminate the need for planning, commitment, and investment.

Required before retail operation begins

Before an approved retail operator may begin, The Q may require:

  • completed application / approval
  • signed operator agreement
  • approved menu
  • approved schedule
  • approved equipment plan
  • approved storage plan, if needed
  • proof of required licensing, insurance, or permits
  • completed orientation / onboarding
  • first month or pilot payment
  • nonrefundable onboarding fee
  • refundable security / cleaning / equipment deposit

No retail operator may begin service until all required approvals, payments, and agreements are complete.

Retail Operator Onboarding Fee

A one-time Retail Operator Onboarding Fee applies to approved retail operators.

Retail Operator Onboarding Fee: $500

This fee is nonrefundable once onboarding begins.

It may cover:

  • orientation
  • planning meetings
  • menu and workflow review
  • scheduling setup
  • access setup
  • cleaning/reset procedures
  • pickup/handoff planning
  • review of equipment and storage needs
  • launch coordination

This fee is separate from deposits, monthly access charges, storage charges, equipment charges, and any required permits, insurance, or licensing.

Refundable Retail Deposit

Retail operators are required to pay a refundable security / cleaning / equipment deposit before beginning.

Standard Retail Deposit: $750 minimum

Some concepts may require a higher deposit depending on access level, schedule, equipment use, storage needs, operator-owned equipment, after-hours access, or overall risk.

The deposit may be applied to:

  • damage
  • extra cleaning
  • unpaid balances
  • missing items
  • abandoned food or supplies
  • lost keys or access issues
  • failure to reset the space
  • improper use of equipment
  • removal or disposal of abandoned operator property

The deposit is refundable at the end of the arrangement, subject to the operator agreement.

Retail Pilot Option

Most retail operators should begin with a pilot.

A pilot allows the operator and The Q to test the concept, workflow, menu, customer response, pickup process, cleaning/reset, and schedule fit before expanding.

Retail Pilot

Starting at $600/month

A pilot may include one approved weekly service window or another limited approved schedule.

Examples:

  • Friday night burger pickup
  • Saturday lunch chicken pickup
  • Thursday supper plates
  • taco night pickup
  • weekly BBQ preorder pickup
  • Sunday dessert pickup

The exact pilot schedule must be approved by The Q.

Storage, refrigeration, freezer space, special equipment, smoker use, chargrill use, dedicated workstation use, and unusual utility needs may require additional charges.

Expanded Retail Access

If a pilot works well, the operator may request an expanded schedule.

Expanded retail access may include additional service days, additional meal periods, more kitchen time, more storage, more equipment use, or a recurring retail schedule.

Expanded retail arrangements are priced case by case.

Possible starting ranges:

Retail ScheduleStarting Monthly Access
Limited pilot / one weekly service window$600/month
One recurring retail day per week$750–$900/month
Two recurring retail days per week$1,000–$1,400/month
Three recurring retail days per week$1,500–$2,000+/month
Dedicated or high-use retail arrangementCustom pricing

These are starting ranges only.

Final pricing depends on the approved concept, schedule, kitchen time, equipment needs, storage, utility load, cleanup burden, and level of access requested.

Service Blocks

Some retail concepts may operate by approved service blocks.

Standard examples may include:

  • Breakfast block
  • Lunch block
  • Dinner block
  • Supper pickup block
  • Special preorder pickup block

Service-block pricing may be used for limited or occasional retail concepts, but retail operators may still be required to pay onboarding fees, deposits, monthly minimums, storage charges, equipment charges, or other approved charges.

The Q may decline block-only arrangements if the concept requires significant setup, storage, customer flow, equipment use, or schedule priority.

Workstation and Equipment Charges

Retail operators may need access to a retail workstation or dedicated equipment.

Depending on the arrangement, separate charges may apply for:

  • dedicated workstation use
  • refrigerated prep table
  • tabletop warmers
  • holding equipment
  • shelving
  • display equipment
  • fry station use
  • chargrill use
  • smoker use
  • special electrical needs
  • special equipment brought in by the operator

The Q is not automatically responsible for purchasing or providing all equipment needed for an operator’s concept.

Operators may be required to provide their own smallwares, tools, packaging, specialty equipment, consumables, and concept-specific supplies.

Any operator-owned equipment must be approved before being brought into the facility.

Storage, Refrigeration, and Freezer Space

Storage is not automatically included unless specifically stated in the operator agreement.

Additional charges may apply for:

  • dry storage
  • refrigerated storage
  • freezer storage
  • dedicated shelving
  • dedicated carts or racks
  • operator-owned appliances
  • large equipment occupying floor space

Operator-owned refrigeration or freezer equipment may require a separate monthly appliance placement fee based on space, electrical use, and operational impact.

Smoker and Chargrill Use

Smoker and chargrill use must be approved, scheduled, and coordinated separately.

Smoker

The Q has a large wood-fired smoker available to approved operators under separate terms.

Smoker use may involve additional fees, longer production windows, fuel requirements, cleanup requirements, and scheduling limits.

Chargrill

Chargrill use may be available to approved operators.

Chargrill use may require separate scheduling, fuel arrangements, cleanup/reset procedures, and additional fees depending on the concept and schedule.

What operators provide

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, retail operators are responsible for their own:

  • food inventory
  • packaging
  • labels
  • disposable goods
  • gloves and personal supplies
  • smallwares
  • knives and tools
  • approved specialty equipment
  • fryer oil, if applicable
  • fuel or wood, if applicable
  • staff / labor
  • required permits
  • required insurance
  • menu pricing
  • customer service
  • order management
  • cleanup and reset

The Q provides approved facility access under the operator agreement. The operator remains responsible for operating the food concept.

Pilot Program Discounts

The Q may occasionally offer a Pilot Operator Program for approved early operators.

Any discount applies only to charges specifically identified in writing.

Deposits, onboarding fees, storage, equipment, special access, smoker use, chargrill use, operator-owned appliance charges, and other add-ons are not discounted unless specifically agreed in writing.

First Step

The first step is a tour and conversation.

We will discuss:

  • your food concept
  • your proposed menu
  • your desired schedule
  • your kitchen needs
  • your equipment needs
  • your storage needs
  • your retail pickup plan
  • your experience
  • whether you are ready for a pilot
  • whether The Q is the right fit

After that conversation, The Q may provide a proposed retail arrangement or term sheet.

No retail arrangement is final until approved in writing.

Contact The Q

To ask about retail food opportunities, please contact us and tell us a little about your food idea.

The Q — Commercial Kitchen & Commissary

106 South Main Street

Boaz, Alabama

You may also call or text: 256-557-0517