The Merc Co+op reserves the right to change or modify any of these policies, at any time and in our sole discretion. Any changes or modification will be effective immediately upon posting.

Kitchen Use Policies

MakE a Reservation

To reserve the use of the Community Classroom, submit the form below or reach out to the Outreach Specialist by email or 785-843-8544 ext. 222. Reservations for the first use must be made two weeks in advance to allow time for a tour of the kitchen and submission or paperwork.

A reservation is not finalized until the Rental Agreement, applicable licenses, proper insurance, and rental and deposit fees are received. We will contact you to confirm your reservation, and, for first time use, schedule a meeting to arrange the appropriate paperwork and a tour of the kitchen.

The Community Classroom is leased only to approved and compliant clients in good standing with The Merc Co+op. Priority is given to existing contracted vendors and standing reservations. New and additional reservations are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Availability

The Merc Co+op’s Community Classroom can be rented any day of the week on a first-come, first-served basis. The room may be reserved between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. As this is a shared space with our café, restrictions may apply.

To view the current room use schedule, visit our events calendar.

• Events can be scheduled up to two (2) months in advance.

• Scheduling recurring events is possible, but dependent on the classroom's existing schedule.

In addition to the cleaning deposit, the rental fee is $25 for up to 4 hours, $50 for 8 hours, or $75 for 12 hours. The maximum consecutive rental time period is two full days. Prices include use of the space, major kitchen equipment, small wares, utilities and cleaning supplies. No reservation will be accepted more than two (2) months in advance of the event or activity. Changes to the Rental Agreement must be agreed upon at least two weeks prior to rental and are at the discretion of The Merc Co+op.

Non-profit organizations can use the room for no additional fee beyond the $150 cleaning deposit.

Cancellations

Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the date of reservation. The Merc Co-op reserves the right to retain any rental fees if required notice of cancellation is not given.

Rental Fee Payment

Initial Payment
First-time Classroom and Kitchen clients must submit the following items at least two weeks in advance of their initial use of the kitchen.

• Damage deposit

• Rental fee

• Signed Use Agreement

The Classroom and Kitchen's fees and Agreement must be delivered to the co-op, or can be brought at the time of your tour. Payments may be made as credit/debit card. Failure to deliver these items to the co-op within the 2-week period will result in forfeiture of all rental rights and fees.

Subsequent Payments
Subsequent rental payments must be received in advance of scheduled rentals, as agreed upon with co-op staff.

Overage Time
Any overage of time beyond the established check-out time will be billed at a rate of $45.00 per hour, with a one-hour minimum.

Damage

By submitting an application and using the Co+op Classroom and Kitchen, the client agrees to pay for any and all damage done to property, facilities, fixtures or grounds occurring during the time period of the client’s use, but only to the extent resulting from client’s negligent or willful act or omission, or the negligent or willful act or omission of the client’s officers, agents, employees, guests, patrons, or invitees. If The Merc Co+op pursues legal remedies available for collection of debt, the applicant agrees to pay all costs of collection efforts, including but not limited to attorney fees and court costs. Damage includes theft of any property owned by The Merc Co+op that is made available for use in the Co+op Classroom and Kitchen.

Disallowed Site Uses

The Co+op Classroom and Kitchen, when rented as a shared-use kitchen for community groups, entrepreneurs and small business owners, is for demonstration purposes only — such as cooking classes. The Co+op Classroom and Kitchen is not a KDA-approved commercial kitchen, and production for sale is not allowed.

On-site vending is only allowed when associated with a pre-approved event. Clients must seek approval from The Merc Co+op before conducting any sales from the Co+op Classroom and Kitchen or anywhere on co-op property. Failure to comply with this policy will result in temporary or permanent revocation of the client’s approved application.

Kitchen Equipment

The client has use of this equipment for the time reserved.
Clients will find the following items in the kitchen; request access to needed tools in advance of your reservation:

• Electric burner

• Gas burners

• One countertop convection oven (holds up to four half-sheet pans)

• One 5 qt. mixer

• One refrigerator

• One freezer

• Counter prep space

• One large compartment sink

• One hand sink

• One dishwasher

• Restroom access

Small tools are accessible on request.

The Co+op Classroom Kitchen does not provide on-site storage units.

What to Bring

Clients should bring all disposable items, such as plastic wrap, foil, sheet pan liners, towels, test strips etc. It is the responsibility of each client to bring their own ingredients. No personally-owned or rented gas fired appliances will be allowed in the co-op kitchen.

Cleaning and Supplies

Each client is responsible for cleaning the kitchen as part of their kitchen use including all countertops, cabinets, equipment, tables and floors. Equipment should be fully cleaned and put away. The Merc Co+op will supply necessary cleaning supplies. If additional supplies are needed, the client is responsible for acquisition and costs. All clients are required to empty their trash from the kitchen. If the kitchen is not clean upon inspection after use, the deposit of $150 will not be refunded and the user is not guaranteed further use of the room.

Kitchen Access & Orientation

Co-op staff will be responsible for unlocking and locking the kitchen. Before a client’s first rental, co-op staff will provide an orientation to cover basic use procedures.

Code of Conduct

Clients and their staff will follow all food safety protocols. A refresher course for food handlers can be found here. Clients are responsible for having up-to-date knowledge of food safety standards for themselves and their staff.

The Merc Co+op is committed to providing a friendly and welcoming environment to its patrons, and a safe workplace for its employees. Physical, violent, harmful or disruptive behavior or harassment will not be tolerated. The term “harassment” for all purposes includes, but is not limited to, offensive language, jokes, or other verbal, graphic or physical conduct relating to an employee’s race, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or other factor protected by law, which would make a reasonable person experiencing such harassment uncomfortable in the work environment or which could interfere with the person’s job performance. Please be aware that patrons and employees of the co-op may be able to see and/or hear what is going on in the Co+op Classroom and Kitchen, and conduct must adhere to these policies at all times.

In consideration for and as a condition of the use of the above stated facilities, applicant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless The Merc Co+op, its elected board, employees, and agents, against any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, costs and liabilities resulting from or caused by the use and occupation of the facility, including attorney fees incurred as a result of any indemnified claim, whether such use is authorized or not and whether arising from the negligent or willful act or omission of the applicant or any of its board members, agents, employees, guests, patrons, or invitees; and the applicant shall, at its sole risk and expense, defend any and all indemnified claims, actions or legal proceedings which may be brought against any of the indemnified parties, using attorneys reasonably acceptable to the indemnified parties.

By submitting the online form and agreeing to the terms of use, the applicant verifies to have read and understood all policies, including the reservation procedure, disallowed site uses, and facility rental fees and agrees to abide by them.

Application