Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by David Lanning on September 26, 2010 at 12:51pm

Wow! Impressive... I'd love to hear if anyone else has done this too. And, I would like to see pictures of your set up. Novel idea! Kudos to you...

Dave

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Permalink Reply by Ron Ingber on September 26, 2010 at 1:33pm

This is not intended as a negative comment, but...
What's the point?
What are you trying to achieve by roasting out of a mobile facility vs. setting up a roaster in a commercial location (or even in your garage)?
Are you going to haul around hundreds and hundreds of pounds of green beans with you?
Will you be packaging the roasted beans in the van as well?
Will you still have to meet all of the requirements of the Health Dept as you are handling a food item?

I must be missing something, but I just don't get it.

Please, don't slam me, educate me.

Thanks,

Ron, the Country Guy

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Permalink Reply by Derryl Reid on September 26, 2010 at 1:56pm

It would be a great way to reach allot of people!

Personally, I would use a small 5lb roaster, if the purpose is for farmers markets festivals etc.

good luck keep us posted!

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Permalink Reply by David Lanning on September 26, 2010 at 2:16pm

Yeah, it is quite an undertaking.

I would imagine Arnold will be classified as a mobile food vendor and
be subjected to the same regulations.

My initial thought also was that he will be in semi-permanent locations
such as markets or festivals.

The novelty of it (and the amazing smell) will definitely draw customers...

Ron Ingber said:

This is not intended as a negative comment, but...
What's the point?
What are you trying to achieve by roasting out of a mobile facility vs. setting up a roaster in a commercial location (or even in your garage)?
Are you going to haul around hundreds and hundreds of pounds of green beans with you?
Will you be packaging the roasted beans in the van as well?
Will you still have to meet all of the requirements of the Health Dept as you are handling a food item?

I must be missing something, but I just don't get it.

Please, don't slam me, educate me.

Thanks,

Ron, the Country Guy

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Permalink Reply by luke hudek on September 26, 2010 at 5:07pm

what size is the roaster? are we talking something small like <1lb for demo purposes or something 5lbs or more?

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Permalink Reply by Shadow on September 27, 2010 at 5:26am

Regulations usually vary depending on location. If he is just roasting that might be more inline with the dept. of agriculture. We aren't monitored by our local health dept. like a typical food vendor is. We do contact them before each event so they know where we are, but they don't do any of the typical inspections most food related vendors go through. No problem if they wanted to though...

What fuel source will you be using? Propane I'd imagine... Could be regulations for this as well as having something as hot as a roaster in a vehicle... fire marshall might be involved.

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Permalink Reply by zack burnett on September 27, 2010 at 6:25am

I stumbled upon this place online out in portland that started out roasting from a van. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think the company was started by barista exchange's founder. If so he should have some good advice for you but I'm sure regulations differ from state to state or even county to county. Good luck. I think it's an awesome idea.

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Permalink Reply by Arnold Juelfs on September 27, 2010 at 3:26pm

The point is it is cheaper than brick and mortar. Same reason for all the big "food truck" rage going. As for hauling the beans, no, I have a separate area for them. I am doing this locally.

Ron Ingber said:

This is not intended as a negative comment, but...
What's the point?
What are you trying to achieve by roasting out of a mobile facility vs. setting up a roaster in a commercial location (or even in your garage)?
Are you going to haul around hundreds and hundreds of pounds of green beans with you?
Will you be packaging the roasted beans in the van as well?
Will you still have to meet all of the requirements of the Health Dept as you are handling a food item?

I must be missing something, but I just don't get it.

Please, don't slam me, educate me.

Thanks,

Ron, the Country Guy

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Arnold Juelfs on September 27, 2010 at 3:32pm

I live in Illinois, and regulations are killing the little businesses. It is less expensive, plus rules are a little more relaxed than setting up in a building. My health dept. does not know a whole lot about coffee bean roasting.

zack burnett said:

I stumbled upon this place online out in portland that started out roasting from a van. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think the company was started by barista exchange's founder. If so he should have some good advice for you but I'm sure regulations differ from state to state or even county to county. Good luck. I think it's an awesome idea.

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Permalink Reply by Arnold Juelfs on September 27, 2010 at 3:35pm

2 -1 pounders, and 1-2 pounder. I know a lot of people are not totally imptessed with Sonnofresco, but I have had extremely good luck, with them, I have a lot of customers that are happy with my coffee, and they are small enough and flexible enough to make this work.

luke hudek said:

what size is the roaster? are we talking something small like <1lb for demo purposes or something 5lbs or more?

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Permalink Reply by Arnold Juelfs on September 27, 2010 at 3:44pm

In order to roast out of your garage"legally, you have to have permanent plumbing for sinks. The county I live in, requires the plumbing to be done by a licensed plumber, which is totally outrageous on the cost. My cost for doing it in the step van is a 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of doing it out of my garage.

Ron Ingber said:

This is not intended as a negative comment, but...
What's the point?
What are you trying to achieve by roasting out of a mobile facility vs. setting up a roaster in a commercial location (or even in your garage)?
Are you going to haul around hundreds and hundreds of pounds of green beans with you?
Will you be packaging the roasted beans in the van as well?
Will you still have to meet all of the requirements of the Health Dept as you are handling a food item?

I must be missing something, but I just don't get it.

Please, don't slam me, educate me.

Thanks,

Ron, the Country Guy

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by luke hudek on September 27, 2010 at 5:33pm

Arnold Juelfs said:

2 -1 pounders, and 1-2 pounder. I know a lot of people are not totally imptessed with Sonnofresco, but I have had extremely good luck, with them, I have a lot of customers that are happy with my coffee, and they are small enough and flexible enough to make this work.

I had looked into them, but had heard some bad feedback about there maintenance difficulty (parts would ...fall apart so to speak), so I am glad to find out someone has found a good use for them!

That aside, you sound better off than we would be going that route, if you had something larger I could see bigger problems. I unfortunately cannot be of more help since I do not live in your state.

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