All signs point to Rouge Roastery moving to Berkley, Michigan (official move date TBD).
I'm hesitant to call it "official" because there are still a lot steps with the potential to derail the process (no building yet, financing not yet confirmed, no permits approved yet), but things made a significant move forward this morning.
This morning, I started working with the Downtown Development Authority to find the appropriate space to be able to expand product offerings, and be in a space that has both good foot traffic and a "cool vibe" to it. Met this morning with a member of the DDA and we tossed around a bunch of different options and partner opportunities that could prove very interesting. This in addition to bank meetings last week have proven that not only is the idea viable, but its now even likely! I'll have more details on our progress shortly, but the aim is to financing in place and renovations started by November.
In an ideal world I'll be roasting with a new higher-capacity roaster by Thanksgiving. That's a pretty aggressive time-table, particularly considering my wedding at the end of October that has me a wee bit pre-occupied.
One other thing that came out of that meeting is a connection to a commercial real estate broker who can act as my agent in finding the right location. I plan to meet with him in the next couple days that that will help keep the process moving (more on this later).
Your roastmaster general,
Big Dave!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Bank vs Realtor!
I consider myself a pretty savvy guy when it comes to getting info. I generally know where to look and who to talk to. However, I am completely puzzled when it comes to what order to do things for expanding and moving Rouge Roastery.
I have talked to the bank about getting money to expand and find retail space. At first they were very discouraging, but then they tell me they are having a meeting regarding my plan and will be in touch with what I need to provide. Not sure what that means, but clearly something is going on without me. I'll need to rectify that.
I have talked to a few realtors about buildings or space that I like, but having not gotten financing from the bank, I have no idea how much I can afford (Catch 22?). I know what you are thinking... "Big Dave, what's your business plan say??" See, though, that's the thing. I wrote the business plan to fit what I need. I can create it to show MORE money for MORE building, if I need to.
It's all very confusing. But in the end, if any of you are interested in investing in a business that is sure to be profitable...
I have talked to the bank about getting money to expand and find retail space. At first they were very discouraging, but then they tell me they are having a meeting regarding my plan and will be in touch with what I need to provide. Not sure what that means, but clearly something is going on without me. I'll need to rectify that.
I have talked to a few realtors about buildings or space that I like, but having not gotten financing from the bank, I have no idea how much I can afford (Catch 22?). I know what you are thinking... "Big Dave, what's your business plan say??" See, though, that's the thing. I wrote the business plan to fit what I need. I can create it to show MORE money for MORE building, if I need to.
It's all very confusing. But in the end, if any of you are interested in investing in a business that is sure to be profitable...
The Yirg is Back!
After a bit of a delay, the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Organic is back! I picked up a Fair Trade variety this time to do my part to help (ok, so, truth be told, I would have picked it up earlier, but just found a supplier with it).
The Yirgs disappeared for a time and the new crop was supposed to arrive in late May, but I haven't been able to get my hands on any since June. I haven't heard about any weather issues with the new crop, but they have been difficult to find. Fortunately, an all new supplier came through for me with a fresh new crop! The word is it has GREAT body and brightness. I can't wait for it to arrive and test it out myself.
At the same time, I picked up a new Timor Peaberry Maubesse FT for testing... I have high hopes for this one, as it sounds fascinating. Plus many of you know, I already love most of the Indonesian coffees. This is a new one to cup. I would love to be able to contribute financially to the farmers in this beat up little country.
Back to roastin',
Big Dave!
The Yirgs disappeared for a time and the new crop was supposed to arrive in late May, but I haven't been able to get my hands on any since June. I haven't heard about any weather issues with the new crop, but they have been difficult to find. Fortunately, an all new supplier came through for me with a fresh new crop! The word is it has GREAT body and brightness. I can't wait for it to arrive and test it out myself.
At the same time, I picked up a new Timor Peaberry Maubesse FT for testing... I have high hopes for this one, as it sounds fascinating. Plus many of you know, I already love most of the Indonesian coffees. This is a new one to cup. I would love to be able to contribute financially to the farmers in this beat up little country.
Back to roastin',
Big Dave!
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