How far can I go without getting my kitchen certified/business license? (3rd post because of no answers)?

Question

I live in a small college town and have often been told by my friends, who sorely miss a good home cooked meal, which they would pay to come over and get something to eat. I've lately been wondering what level could an operation like that be taken before I would get in trouble for not having a licensed kitchen? I would get it done, but in this state you need a kitchen entirely separate from the one you cook in for family, and I just cant afford a second kitchen, and bathroom, and other rules I literally cant afford to follow.
What I would like to do is a small operation mostly targeting people like my friends and other homesick, broke, often off-campus students, and have it set up so they can come over and buy a very cheap lunch then select from my 'stock' of take home foods (pre-prepared foods, probably alot of it being whatever doesn’t get eaten from the lunches)
Would I be able to do this without getting in trouble?

I’m not looking for a large profit, I’d be happy if I could just sustain it, get back what I put in. If I ever had surplus I would likely end up having a ‘free food’ day, targeted to the very most broke (though anyone could come). Oh, I am in Arkansas, if that helps.

Answer 1

I'd say you can do it for friends and let word of mouth get around, but don't do print advertising, I think that's the threshold. All your friends' word of mouth will make you new "friends" who will tell their friends. And don't tell them a price, say it's a donation for the cost of food and suggest an amount. *wink wink*

Or say, like my cousin, she was cleaning houses as a business, but the clients started asking her to cook them a meal for when they got home. So she did and got paid under her housecleaning business. And didn't need a food service permit. Next thing she was cooking for their dinner parties. Word got around and she ended up quitting cleaning and opened her own restaurant. That was over 15 years ago and her business is still thriving and she's rich.

So you are definitely on the right track!

Answer 2

There are always loop holes.
The problem occurs "IF" someone really does get sick.
For the most part, DO NOT charge, allow a box for a suggested "donation".
Most charitable organizations are exempt from many of the local laws.
If you want to do a little research, try www.servsafe.com

Answer 3

Make a display to appear that your location is for eatery but not so noticeable for the health agent to examine you until such time you obtain license. Diplay placard like "catering business" take home meals, etc.

Answer 4

check with your local board of health and liscencing boards to see what the rules are. also check out to see if u need to be sanitation certified . most places will give you the whats needed.