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Permalink Reply by Jason Shipley on March 21, 2009 at 6:10pm

It all really depends on your scope. You will in most areas need a 3 compartment sink, a hand wasing sink and access to a mop sink. All surfaces should be smooth and easily cleanable. It really depends on your HD you may need all open site drains. You need to fit your equipment to your expected volume. What are your goals? tell us more about your plan.

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Permalink Reply by Al Sterling on March 21, 2009 at 6:23pm

Becky..... your's is a reasonable, but open ended request. When you say you're "new at this.......", I'm wondering if you mean specialty coffee, small business management, or both? Also, do you mean that you'll want a setup under someone else's roof? That points to a cart or kiosk operation. It sounds like you should be talking to a kiosk-cart manufacturer and consultant or a coffee business consultant. It's preferable, in my opinion, to speak with a straight coffee consultant who can be more objective on purchasing assets. Most of them can evaluate your needs, help you pick equipment and provide some business consultanting. You've already indicated that you tried contacting the county health department. That says you're aware of one of the most difficult obstacles in setting up a food operation. But as you know, that's hardly the whole story. I'd recommend driving the 175 miles or so to Phoenix and looking at every mobile, kiosk or cart operation available, and try to get time with the owner-operators. I'd hope that you have a business law attorney too. I'd also make sure you end up with a business plan that has realistic financial projections. Unless you've figured out how to convert your investment and time into a net profit on just coffee...... you should be looking at how to convert the square footage into as much cash flow and net profit as possible; meaning added profit centers like bakery and food. So many issues for even the simplest of ventures. I wish you the best of luck. Even if all you want is a single group machine and some accessories, you can still benefit from all of the elements I've mentioned. Even a few hours of time with an attorney and consultant to review whatever it is you want to do may save you bundles in the end.

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Permalink Reply by Becky on March 21, 2009 at 7:46pm

Al Sterling said:

Becky..... your's is a reasonable, but open ended request. When you say you're "new at this.......", I'm wondering if you mean specialty coffee, small business management, or both? Also, do you mean that you'll want a setup under someone else's roof? That points to a cart or kiosk operation. It sounds like you should be talking to a kiosk-cart manufacturer and consultant or a coffee business consultant. It's preferable, in my opinion, to speak with a straight coffee consultant who can be more objective on purchasing assets. Most of them can evaluate your needs, help you pick equipment and provide some business consultanting. You've already indicated that you tried contacting the county health department. That says you're aware of one of the most difficult obstacles in setting up a food operation. But as you know, that's hardly the whole story. I'd recommend driving the 175 miles or so to Phoenix and looking at every mobile, kiosk or cart operation available, and try to get time with the owner-operators. I'd hope that you have a business law attorney too. I'd also make sure you end up with a business plan that has realistic financial projections. Unless you've figured out how to convert your investment and time into a net profit on just coffee...... you should be looking at how to convert the square footage into as much cash flow and net profit as possible; meaning added profit centers like bakery and food. So many issues for even the simplest of ventures. I wish you the best of luck. Even if all you want is a single group machine and some accessories, you can still benefit from all of the elements I've mentioned. Even a few hours of time with an attorney and consultant to review whatever it is you want to do may save you bundles in the end.

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Permalink Reply by Becky on March 21, 2009 at 7:48pm

Al Sterling said:

Becky..... your's is a reasonable, but open ended request. When you say you're "new at this.......", I'm wondering if you mean specialty coffee, small business management, or both? Also, do you mean that you'll want a setup under someone else's roof? That points to a cart or kiosk operation. It sounds like you should be talking to a kiosk-cart manufacturer and consultant or a coffee business consultant. It's preferable, in my opinion, to speak with a straight coffee consultant who can be more objective on purchasing assets. Most of them can evaluate your needs, help you pick equipment and provide some business consultanting. You've already indicated that you tried contacting the county health department. That says you're aware of one of the most difficult obstacles in setting up a food operation. But as you know, that's hardly the whole story. I'd recommend driving the 175 miles or so to Phoenix and looking at every mobile, kiosk or cart operation available, and try to get time with the owner-operators. I'd hope that you have a business law attorney too. I'd also make sure you end up with a business plan that has realistic financial projections. Unless you've figured out how to convert your investment and time into a net profit on just coffee...... you should be looking at how to convert the square footage into as much cash flow and net profit as possible; meaning added profit centers like bakery and food. So many issues for even the simplest of ventures. I wish you the best of luck. Even if all you want is a single group machine and some accessories, you can still benefit from all of the elements I've mentioned. Even a few hours of time with an attorney and consultant to review whatever it is you want to do may save you bundles in the end.

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Permalink Reply by Becky on March 21, 2009 at 7:54pm

Thank you both. I appreciate your answers. The more I hear and research, the more I understand in order for this to be successful, I'm going to have to have to do a lot more research and not rush into this. The project would be in someone else's business where I have a space already. It is a consignment/antique store. I would like to combine something like that, but have coffee as well. She wants me to do it in her store and will provide the space. She has talked about doing a little remodeling with the sinks, etc, but again it's in her store.I would rather have a kiosk-cart there until I get underway, and then in a year or two, have my own place.. All of your answers have helped. Thanks. I have a lot to learn and don't want to rush into anything.

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