REPOST - Business woes
A few weeks ago I was talking about starting a business. Well, after much research, standing in line, and talking on the phone, I discovered that we would never pass the health inspection. We have 4 cats, and three of them have access to the kitchen. There is a open clause that says "No domesticated animals may remain in the food preparation area."
Well, we have an open house layout, so we would need to put up new walls and doors to block off the kitchen, but I like the openness in the kitchen, and I could not close it off. So - no business. We would need to convert part of the garage, or build an addition to the back of the garage. I would love that, but you'd be talking six or seven thousand for appliances, couple hundred fro plumbing, electrical, and AC/Heating. then you have the Sheetrock, floors, waterproofing, storage, cabinets, countertops, and if we expand - new siding, small trusses, and shingles. At least ten to twenty thousand to convert the garage/expand.
I'd so love to expand a little, but I don't think that will happen.
So -- things I have learned:
No cats
If you have cats, they can never get in the room
If they can get in the room, they must be shaved
If you want to sell at the farmers market, you don't need a business license, but you need a health inspection
you cannot pass an inspection if cat hair can float into the kitchen
Some people mentioned getting space at a community center, but almost everything I am cooking involves multiple days and long rest periods. My sourdoughs require two days, and the barm is a living creature that would need to live in the kitchen full time. Marshmallows need to sit for at least 4 hours, but 12+ is better.
So, no matter how clean you keep the kitchen, if they might find cat hair, they can take away your license and hit you with a misdemeanor. When I do eventually start this business, I want it to be legit. I know it's a yearly inspection, and they might skip your house, but I would want my customer to know that I care about how their food is being prepared. So -- for now, there is no business. If you want to eat my marshmallows, cookies, cakes, or breads, you need to come to my house, work with me, or move in next to me.
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thanks to those who left comments before the upgrade. I'm sorry I lost your posts.
Well, we have an open house layout, so we would need to put up new walls and doors to block off the kitchen, but I like the openness in the kitchen, and I could not close it off. So - no business. We would need to convert part of the garage, or build an addition to the back of the garage. I would love that, but you'd be talking six or seven thousand for appliances, couple hundred fro plumbing, electrical, and AC/Heating. then you have the Sheetrock, floors, waterproofing, storage, cabinets, countertops, and if we expand - new siding, small trusses, and shingles. At least ten to twenty thousand to convert the garage/expand.
I'd so love to expand a little, but I don't think that will happen.
So -- things I have learned:
No cats
If you have cats, they can never get in the room
If they can get in the room, they must be shaved
If you want to sell at the farmers market, you don't need a business license, but you need a health inspection
you cannot pass an inspection if cat hair can float into the kitchen
Some people mentioned getting space at a community center, but almost everything I am cooking involves multiple days and long rest periods. My sourdoughs require two days, and the barm is a living creature that would need to live in the kitchen full time. Marshmallows need to sit for at least 4 hours, but 12+ is better.
So, no matter how clean you keep the kitchen, if they might find cat hair, they can take away your license and hit you with a misdemeanor. When I do eventually start this business, I want it to be legit. I know it's a yearly inspection, and they might skip your house, but I would want my customer to know that I care about how their food is being prepared. So -- for now, there is no business. If you want to eat my marshmallows, cookies, cakes, or breads, you need to come to my house, work with me, or move in next to me.
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thanks to those who left comments before the upgrade. I'm sorry I lost your posts.
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Well you've done well recovering from those server woes. :)
Sorry about that. Next time.... umm... we do it on Intel hardware. Yeah
test comment. someone got an error.
If your cats are as lazy as mine, a baby gate will keep them out of the kitchen. You can also hang plastic over the doorway, which is something we do the channel heat and air-con in our larger-than-we-really-need old house.
Don't give up hope. Look for a commercial kitchen that rents time.
Dear Sketchy
Thanx for your blog, I had a hard time finding info on the latest culinary techniques out there. I'm interested in the weird and wonderful. LOL. Perhaps you have some info regarding CO2 applications and pureed fish? Are there any websites out there I can look up regarding molecular cooking techniques? I am a new culinary graduate seeking to expand my skills. :) PS. If you have any questions regarding your cats let me know, I worked in the veterinary field for fourteen years.
@Veronica, Piet, and Mykitcheninhalfcups - Thanks you for your comments, sorry they got axed in the server upgrade.
@Mary Kroll. We only have two lazy cats. The little deaf cat LOVES to folloe me around :D
@Amanda - Ok, here are my secrets, but you have to promise to come back! :)
blog.khymos.org
Excellent blog, and grab the hydrocolloid collection and be prepared
to be blown away
www.hungryinhogtown.com
foodite.com
These are all excellent resources.
As for the fish, what do you have in mind?
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I should add them to my blogroll