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Selling coffee?
seedlings
Clifford, in my phone book, there is neither county economic development nor anything related to health.

http://www.co.buc...

CHAD
Roaster: CoffeeAir II 2# DIY air roaster
Grinder: Vintage Grindmaster 500
Brewers: Vintage Cory DCU DCL, Aeropress, Press, Osaka Titanium pourover
 
Clifford
Chad, try again at city hall as ask for information on starting a business and to whom you should speak about requirements.
May the Force be with your cup
 
Clifford
Chad, I went on the internet, try

Planning and Community Development
Rm 107 1100 Frederick Ave
816-271-4827


Their Web site indicates they cooperate with the Chamber of Commece, which is also a good starting point to begin to gather the information that you need
Edited by Clifford on 02/02/2009 8:59 PM
May the Force be with your cup
 
Clifford
GOING INTO BUSINESS DIARY


I am still in the information gathering stage.

I sent and received e-mails about the roaster and

did more research on a business location.. The neatest Agricultural food business incubator is 3-5 hours driving time from my house, but if my business is accepted, I will b able to rent kitchen and processing facilities, as well as a loading dock usage for a reasonable amount I will go there rather than call and be rejected by phone so I can see what the facility offers myself.

My next step will be to make an appointment to have needed repairs on my car so i can drive around the area when the road conditions improve.

I am continuing to do research on the internet and have ordered another 15# of coffee on friday. I received an email that the importer in Wisconsin shipped today. More yummy coffee on the way. OH BOY !!!

That is my progress report. I have another convert to great coffee
Edited by Clifford on 02/02/2009 9:00 PM
May the Force be with your cup
 
Dan
Clifford, If you are opening a retail operation, check with your local zoning board and get a copy of their traffic count map. It will have the number of vehicles that travel on major streets within the city. This can be useful for determining a location.
 
seedlings
Finally got a response by email:

"The state and city health codes do not allow your to sell any foods produced from your home,the production area must be totally separate from your residence. But first you need to check zoning to see if you can be zoned for a business in your area. If you can then you would have to meet the other requirement for a separate place to produce and the requirements for a commercial food business. So please check with zoning first and then if that is ok, we can meet and discuss the other requirements."

CHAD
Roaster: CoffeeAir II 2# DIY air roaster
Grinder: Vintage Grindmaster 500
Brewers: Vintage Cory DCU DCL, Aeropress, Press, Osaka Titanium pourover
 
Dan
Chad, That is a very common requirement in many jurisdictions. Bread & Breakfasts have the same problem. They need two kitchens. One for the residents, and one for the patrons. Some counties are lax on this, but they tend to be rural locales.

What I've found is that the smallest commercial kitchen (sometimes called a catering kitchen) requirements apply to roasting:

Separate roasting area
Nearby handwash sink and restroom
3-hole sink large enough to submerge the largest item
Smooth, washable walls and floor
All items that come into contact with the food is SS, glass, or NSF plastic
Proper labels
Certified weigh scale

I had forgotten about zoning requirements. The question was moot for me since my locale was already zoned Industrial. I believe you need Industrial, Agricultural, or General Business to comply.
Edited by Dan on 02/03/2009 10:00 AM
 
John Despres
To add a recent occurrence here in Grand Rapids, there has been a crackdown by the FDA on small artisinal commercial roasters.

Five small roasters, most with cafes attached have been shut down for lack of sinks by the FDA.

I've spoken with one of the roasters (without a cafe) and the FDA targeted all of them at once. They have been told to cease operations until the proper sinks and hand washing facilities have been installed.

A single lavatory for washing up must be in the same room with the roaster(s) and no doors between the lavatory and the roaster itself. Then there must be a double sink as well, but I'm not sure whare...

He also has to install covers on all his light bulbs so glass would not get into the coffee if a bulb blows up.

He passed all the local ordinances and was cleared by the county health inspector to open up and roast. However, the FDA, has other ideas and being the greater of the two government organizations, can set additional guidelines.

Be sure to check with all the governing bodies if you want to go commercial.
Respect the bean.
John Despres
Fresh Roast 8, Gene Cafe, JYTT 1k, Quest M3, Mazzer Mini, Technivorm, various size presses and many more brewers.
 
seedlings
The crackdown raids will continue until entreprenuership revives our economy!

On the one hand, my left, very small, shriveled hand I understand the need for regulation, but on the other hand, my right, very large, strong, tea-party tattooed, freedom hand, I am very upset.

CHAD
Edited by seedlings on 02/28/2009 10:35 AM
Roaster: CoffeeAir II 2# DIY air roaster
Grinder: Vintage Grindmaster 500
Brewers: Vintage Cory DCU DCL, Aeropress, Press, Osaka Titanium pourover
 
cfsheridan
I hear ya, CHAD. What the FEDERAL folks have to do with this is beyond me. There are days where I'm embarrassed to be employed by the Gov't.
 
Clifford
PROGRESS REPORT

February has drawn to a close. My car was repaired under budget, so I was able to purchase 15# of the Peru from Bold Java, 100 2 oz plastic sample bags from Ginny and an inkjet printer to print appropriate labels.

More people are lining up and are eagerly anticipating some free samples. Grin
Edited by Clifford on 02/28/2009 3:54 PM
May the Force be with your cup
 
John Despres
Sounds like you're on your way, Clifford! Keep it up and keep us posted.

:Clap:
Respect the bean.
John Despres
Fresh Roast 8, Gene Cafe, JYTT 1k, Quest M3, Mazzer Mini, Technivorm, various size presses and many more brewers.
 
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