Starting a coffee roasting company sounded simple enough at first. I envisioned a straightforward path: buy a roaster, roast some beans, and share my passion for coffee with the world. Little did I know, this journey would turn into an epic adventure filled with unexpected twists, hurdles, and lessons learned the hard way. But isn’t that what makes an adventure worth telling?
Chapter 1: The Quest for the Perfect Roaster
Every great adventure begins with a critical decision, and for me, it was choosing the right coffee roaster. I naively thought this would be one of the easier steps—after all, how hard could it be to pick a machine that roasts coffee beans? Turns out, it’s a lot more complicated than I ever imagined.
The market is flooded with options, each with its own set of features, pros, and cons. Do I go with a gas burner, electric, or air roaster? Each type has its champions, and I spent hours researching forums, watching YouTube videos, and reading reviews. Gas roasters are known for their precision and control, electric roasters are praised for their consistency, and air roasters are lauded for their efficiency. But which one was right for me and my budding business?
Then there were the logistical considerations. Where would I put this thing? My garage seemed like the obvious choice, but I had to think about venting, power requirements, and whether the space could handle the heat and smoke. I didn’t want to invest in a roaster only to realize it wouldn’t work in my setup.
I reached out to several manufacturers, asking questions and comparing specs. Some were incredibly helpful, while others seemed more interested in making a sale than helping me find the right fit. After weeks of deliberation, I decided to attend a training course at the Mill City facility. That experience was a game-changer. Not only did I get hands-on experience with their roasters, but I also learned about the art and science of roasting coffee.
By the end of the course, I was sold. I chose the 2Kg Mill City roaster—a machine that felt like the perfect balance of size, functionality, and quality. When it arrived in October, I was thrilled. There it was, sitting in my garage, ready to transform green beans into delicious coffee. Little did I know, the real adventure was just beginning.
Chapter 2: Navigating the Maze of Permits and Logistics
With my roaster in place, I thought the hard part was over again. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Starting a business is like navigating a maze blindfolded—you know there’s a way out, but every turn seems to lead to another dead end.
The first hurdle was figuring out the permits and licenses I needed. I started with the basics: a business license and food permits. I filled out the paperwork, submitted it, and then… nothing. Weeks went by with no updates. I called and emailed the city repeatedly, but it felt like my application had fallen into a black hole.
Frustrated but determined, I kept pushing. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I got the name of the department manager. I reached out directly, and—surprise!—my permit was approved the same day. It was a small victory, but it taught me an important lesson: persistence pays off.
But the adventure didn’t stop there. My original plan was to roast in my garage and sell at farmers' markets, pop-ups, and a few local stores. However, during the permit process, I discovered a major roadblock: my garage didn’t have a sink. According to the regulations, a sink is required for food preparation and cleaning. Without one, I couldn’t legally sell at farmers' markets or to stores.
I had envisioned setting up a booth at the local market, chatting with customers, and sharing my coffee with the community. But the cost and complexity of adding plumbing to my garage felt overwhelming. Reluctantly, I decided to hold off and focus on online sales for now. It wasn’t the plan I had in mind, but sometimes adventures require detours. I've since figured it out and I'm working towards installing some sinks with plans to reapply for my food permits.
In the meantime, I turned my attention to other logistics. I needed to set up my roasting space, which meant installing a gas heater, electrical outlets, and custom venting. I contacted several HVAC companies, but finding one that understood my needs and was willing to take on the job was harder than I expected.
After weeks of back-and-forth, I finally found a company that could help. They ordered the venting I needed, but when it arrived, it was a foot short. I was back to square one. Frustrated but determined, I reached out to a local metal fabrication company. They agreed to custom-make the extension I needed, and by mid-January, I was finally ready to install the roaster.
Just as things were coming together, I left for a coffee farm tour in Costa Rica with Cafe Imports. It was an incredible experience, but I couldn’t help feeling anxious about the progress back home. Thankfully, the venting was scheduled to be ready by the time I returned.
Looking back, Chapter 2 was a test of patience, adaptability, and resilience. It taught me that starting a business is rarely a straight path. There are twists, turns, and unexpected obstacles at every corner. But with each challenge, I grew more confident in my ability to navigate this adventure—one step at a time.
Chapter 3: Roasting, Sampling, and Creative Hustle
While waiting for the venting and permits, I kept busy with my Ikawa sample roaster, experimenting with roast profiles and sampling different beans. This part of the journey was pure joy—tweaking variables, tasting the results, and discovering the nuances of each bean.
I also dove into the creative side of the business, designing labels and bags. This was my chance to bring my vision to life, and I loved every minute of it. My website is nearly complete, and I’m finalizing my bag designs this week. With samples on the way, I’m hopeful that I’ll be selling coffee in a matter of weeks.
Chapter 4: The Adventure Continues
Looking back, this journey has been anything but simple. From choosing the right roaster to navigating permits, venting issues, and creative challenges, every step has been a learning experience. But isn’t that what makes an adventure memorable?
As I prepare to launch my coffee roasting company, I can’t help but feel excited for what’s next. The road ahead is still uncertain, but I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected. After all, the best adventures are the ones that push you out of your comfort zone and teach you something new along the way. So, here’s to the next chapter of this coffee roasting adventure, where I dive into the art of roasting, the joy of creativity, and the thrill of finally seeing my vision come to life. The adventure continues! Stay tuned—this is just the beginning.
Adventure Awaits. Coffee Awaits.
Chris Finch
Trailhead Coffee
So proud of you, Chris! This is an adventure and you're ready for it!