Jacksonville Florida, Commissary

Hello all!
I have just built out and Opened a commissary in Jacksonville. I did this so I could legally Cater and rent time and space to others.
Any advice out there on where to advertise??
I was just licensed this Monday and I am ready to help others in small business.
Thank you in advance for any Help
 
Chriss

Hey Chriss. How does that work with insurance.......... also have you written up a policy on cleanliness and sanitation guidelines. You will have somepeople renting the space and doing a good job, others are a bunch of slobs. What kind of liability insurance coverage do you want them to have to cover your needs and protect you. What if the people you rent to are illegals can they come after you.? What if your oven isn't calibrated and the food soemone makes isn't hot and people get sick, can they come after you?........... ..............I have a Cafe thats owned by a large retailer and they give me this space for fee, along with all the equipment. I have to have an insurance policy to cover their interests. They also have 100 other things but this will do for now......................Good luck ....Bill

BillyB,
Yes the paper trail is large and very specific. By the time people have read all the do's and dont's and initialed everything, then  I have been protected. The only people that can cause me any trouble is the health department, and I used the health inspector to help me write up the paperwork along with the attorney.
The insurance they use will keep me separate.

Welcome Roadfood.

Call on the local street vendors in your area and let your local HD know that you will rent space and use to potential venodrs, caterers etc.... There are several cart manufacturers in Florida.  I would make them aware of your facility as well.   My guess is that you will be booked in no time.

Chriss, Great job, it looks like you covered all the bases........Good luck...........................................Bill

Sounds like a great idea, now let others know and so you can book sites and other venues for your cart clients to help keep them busy! Especially the newbies. This would help the pros and the rookies. Just trying to help.

Thank you all for your input, I especially never thought of contacting cart manufactors...great idea.
I have started on craigslist and hitting as many hot doggers as I can with flyers.
I have also contacted as many food reps as I can.
I have also started purchasing hotdog carts so I can lease them to people.
Any more suggestions would be appreciated.

Great job Beaver!  Good luck!  It sounds as though you could be a God send to newbies like myself!  Too bad - you aren't near me!

Newbies are some of the ones I am going after, I am hoping to get about 50 under contract so that I can expand even more.
The kitchen I built out is 3000 sq feet and I have the rest of my ware house to expand as needed. I have about 20,000 sq ft at my disposal.
The more people I can get the better I can make it.

how far out Beaver Street are you?  have you come up with your pricing structure for hot dog guys?  my present commissary is kind of small and awkward with little elbow room, but it's cheap and close.

I am located just east of McDuff on Beaver Street
Yes the pricing structure is in place.
Elbow room is not a problem with 5000 sq feet.
I have already signed 2 caterers and 2 dog carts.
I am hoping for about 30 total, any more than that and I will build out another kitchen. I have no problem doing that as well.

Do you have on site security?

Yes, I have it completely fenced in with enough lighting to look like a baseball field. I also just finished building out a 800 sq ft studio apartment for 24 hour security. I also will be putting a gaurd dog on the facility.
The metal roll up doors help alot too.
 

I now have my first three users of the commissary, not counting my catering company!!!!!I am so excited!!!!

I need to figure out how to get more, and more...
Flyers are out
craigslist ad is out
word is getting out
now what?

If anybody know of any commissaries in Houston, TX, please share.

Beaverstreet


I now have my first three users of the commissary, not counting my catering company!!!!!I am so excited!!!!

I need to figure out how to get more, and more...
Flyers are out
craigslist ad is out
word is getting out
now what?

 
Sit back pat yourself on the back and give a little time to see whats working.

No Time to pat myself on the back, too much to do!!!!

I would pass out flyers at the farmers market, there are always people looking to start their own business there......Good luck...Bill

Chriss,
 
You might contact Steve at this site http://www.hotdogprofits.com/commissary.html
He has a page to advertise commissaries....
Mike....

Hi Beaverstreet,
You can also hit up your local chamber of commerce or specific business associations local to your area - they might not directly have a need for you but they are good networking tools. It sounds like you are trying to go big and the more local business people you know the better.
 
Do you have a website - it also sounds like you have enough services to justify having one (commissary, cart leasing) then have it listed on google (for example) so when someone is searching for what you offer they can find you.  It is also easy to direct people to a site when they want more information and nowadays people almost expect you to have a website if you are a legit business.
 
Also I understand what Curbside was trying to say - with the clients you already have you should be working out all the bugs because there are sure to be issues that will come up. Better to solve them now than to grow to fast and have issues become major problems later. You don't have to pat yourself on the back, but you can take a deep breath and exhale slowly.... 

hi Chriss...I am getting ready to buy a small cart, just taking food handling class now, I have a spewcific place I am going to sell, but obviously I need a commissary service..can you send me some info or your website/phone number so I can contact you? Thanks! Great Day!
Coleen!

Hi Beaverstreet!
 
Where are you located? I am looking at commercial kitchens for a potential new business.

i need to rent a commisaries spot now for my hot dog cart can you help me out i am in jacksonville fla my name john my number 904 6540643

hi can you help me out ilike to rent a spot from you i live in jax my name john my number 904 654 0643 ty

Interested in your commissary. Do you have a phone number or email address so we can contact you and get info on your commissary?

Hey all,
Anyone may contact me through my email and I will schedule an appointment for you to see the Commissary and get you signed up with us.

 
To answer a few questions:
I am located on Beaver Street and no too far from I-10
I also have about 18 people currently signed up with the commissary with only 3 Hot doggers.
When you join the commissary you have 24 hour access to come and go as you need.
 
Contact me if you need anything,
Chriss Brown
 

Hi Beaverstreet,
 Is your commissary still in operation ? I'm in the process of submitting my drawing and all of the necessary paperwork to Talahasse for my hotdog/ice cream truck. I have a commissary for my ice cream. I'm building in a three comparment sink and a hand wash sink in the truck. I need a commissary for the hot dogs. Where do I begin.

Hi Chriss, I'm just starting out and in need of work space. Would you please email me with your contact information? Thanks, Mad  

Chriss, I'd love to stop by to see your operation, today if possible. I've been unable to find a phone number or address.  please call me 904-451-3759. Thanks, Madeleine

this is an old post by Beaverstreet If you want to come by my commissary on Tuesday morning I will help you, come by after you pick up the packet from the city. The address is 200 Forsyth for the city stuff.
Also go to this website and you will find alot of answers :

http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/

You can email me for the address to the commissary
beaverstreetcommissary@hotmail.com