Subject and purpose of work: In recent years, kitchen incubators have captured increasingly larger and more sophisticated titles in the local and national press. Organised local producers have been applying for funds to build such facilities. This article aims to introduce the notion of a kitchen incubator, its functioning, as well as present its role in the local development in the food production industry. Materials and methods: The available Polish and foreign literature on the subject in question was studied. The current study was based on the analysis and observation of the kitchen incubators which are already in operation. Results: The investigations conducted have demonstrated that kitchen incubators constitute a very important element in the development of the local economy. Conclusions: The operation of kitchen incubators should be monitored so as to enhance their development.