I sit here and realize there is finally an end in sight to the full launch of Folly Coffee Roasters, meaning Folly Coffee can be sold at third party retailers (co-ops, grocery stores, cafes, anywhere that sells coffee beans). Before I get into that **Shameless self-promotion time, please read in announcer voice from The Price is Right.** Right now, check out www.follycoffee.com for new winter merch! All merchandise is 10% off through the end of Friday, free shipping as always, and a FREE knit headband with all purchases** But for real, we have some awesome stuff and the money we make off this merch will be used to make this launch big, think samplings, events, classes etc. Anyway, onto the blog!
Where have we been?
Apologies as it has been three weeks since the last blog. Within the past three weeks, some major events have happened. We finished all the construction we are allowed to do on our own including finishing touches on the wall, installation of an interior garage door to move the giant bags of unroasted coffee beans, caulking and sealing of cracks and edges, purchasing of food safe tables, storage racks, etc, and overall cleaning of the roastery. Then came a setback. We are not allowed to do plumbing work on our own as we are not certified to do so. The good news was the plumber said it's a two day job. The bad news was it is a three week turnaround to receive approval from the state that allows them to start that two day job. But wait...the state inspector is coming in a week. Luckily, the inspector was very understanding (shoutout Mike Smith!) and said he can still come inspect the facilities and procedures for everything besides the plumbing/sinks. After 2 hours of safety protocol/processes review and facility inspection we got great news. Everything (besides the sinks) was compliant and as soon as the sinks are installed we are good to go!
Where are we now?
It is currently hurry up and wait time. The plumbing plans were submitted November 22nd, and with a three week turnaround we expect to have the approval and sinks installed by the third week of December. In the meantime, we have shut down sales of our beans until we are ready for the full launch. There are some awesome plans in place for the beans we are launching so keep your eyes peeled!
Where are we going?
Get ready for the full launch of Folly Coffee Roasters January 2nd, 2018!! It seemed appropriate to time it up with the new year. New year, new coffee roaster, new coffees, new new new. I am thrilled by the prospect of getting through this logistical process of starting a small food and beverage business and getting back to what excites us most, lightly roasting some amazing coffees sourced from around the world. It's pretty cool drinking an amazing cup of our Ethiopian and picture the process it went through from being hand picked, dried in the sun, packaged in giant burlap sacks, shipped to Minnesota, then picked up in my Rav4 to be lightly roasted on the roaster in Silver Lake. Pretty cool stuff if you ask me. I couldn't be more excited for what is in store and am even more excited for everyone out there to taste the deliciousness of the hot beans we are slingin! Woo!
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Setback City
Setback city. Population: Folly Coffee Roasters
A bit strung out , definitely tired, slightly stressed, but getting excited. Starting a business is super easy and convenient, if today was opposite day. Oh SNAP! Wait...what is that...is that...a faint glimmer of the light at the end of the tunnel? Maybe. Not sure. Sooooo now to bring you the weekly (notsomuch) Flog!
Where have we been?
The final touches are being done to the Silver Lake roasting facility. Ken and I have been working on finalizing the electric, plumbing, HVAC, and getting everything in line with the fire code so we can get all those fun licenses so that we can, you know, sell coffee to stores and stuff. (**SHAMELESS PROMOTION** THE COFFEE IS AVAILABLE ONLINE WWW.FOLLYCOFFEE.COM ROASTED AND SHIPPED FRESH!!!). Orders trickle in online, but the most exciting part is people are really digging the coffee which warms my heart. So, why is the title Setback City? See below
Where are we now?
As we are looking to install the plumbing for our necessary sinks to be a wholesale food manufacturer, which shouldn't be more than a 2 or 3 day project, we have been informed of a time intensive process to be approved. We have to have our plans sketched up, submitted to the city, and receive their approval BEFORE installing the system. Average time for approval? 3-4 weeks. Fun.
Where are we going?
We need to put all the finishing touches on the areas listed above, and get the electric inspected/licensed, plumbing approved and installed, fire code inspected, and then finally, the light at the end of the tunnel, the pending approval from the MN Dpt of Agriculture that makes us ready to go to co-ops, grocery stores, cafes, and anywhere that sells coffee. Doesn't even seem slightly real at this point. In the meantime, we will continue to lightly roast fun coffee and loving the feedback from the delicious people!!
A bit strung out , definitely tired, slightly stressed, but getting excited. Starting a business is super easy and convenient, if today was opposite day. Oh SNAP! Wait...what is that...is that...a faint glimmer of the light at the end of the tunnel? Maybe. Not sure. Sooooo now to bring you the weekly (notsomuch) Flog!
Where have we been?
The final touches are being done to the Silver Lake roasting facility. Ken and I have been working on finalizing the electric, plumbing, HVAC, and getting everything in line with the fire code so we can get all those fun licenses so that we can, you know, sell coffee to stores and stuff. (**SHAMELESS PROMOTION** THE COFFEE IS AVAILABLE ONLINE WWW.FOLLYCOFFEE.COM ROASTED AND SHIPPED FRESH!!!). Orders trickle in online, but the most exciting part is people are really digging the coffee which warms my heart. So, why is the title Setback City? See below
Where are we now?
As we are looking to install the plumbing for our necessary sinks to be a wholesale food manufacturer, which shouldn't be more than a 2 or 3 day project, we have been informed of a time intensive process to be approved. We have to have our plans sketched up, submitted to the city, and receive their approval BEFORE installing the system. Average time for approval? 3-4 weeks. Fun.
Where are we going?
We need to put all the finishing touches on the areas listed above, and get the electric inspected/licensed, plumbing approved and installed, fire code inspected, and then finally, the light at the end of the tunnel, the pending approval from the MN Dpt of Agriculture that makes us ready to go to co-ops, grocery stores, cafes, and anywhere that sells coffee. Doesn't even seem slightly real at this point. In the meantime, we will continue to lightly roast fun coffee and loving the feedback from the delicious people!!
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