Congrats, guess I have to actually pay up now

2/25/2014 10:27:54 PM

Yeah, sorry about that

2/25/2014 10:34:12 PM

tomorrow is the last day for kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/raleighrumcompany/raleigh-rum-company-raleighs-first-craft-distiller

2/27/2014 7:36:25 PM

Quote :

"So we agreed to do something fun at the $16,000 point in our Kickstarter. One of the founders would dress in a tutu and skip around Fayetteville Street as the Rum Fairy. The next step was $17,000, where all 3 founders would do it. We are less than $400 from that reality... Yikes!"

2/28/2014 2:46:10 PM

trick don't pretend you wouldn't have done it for free.

2/28/2014 3:33:51 PM

Typical Tuesday night

2/28/2014 3:46:54 PM

$18,127


Shit....The good kind of shit I guess

2/28/2014 9:23:04 PM

First location has failed inspection. The wall separating our unit from the adjoining space was not rated for 3+ hour firewall protection. Estimated $10k to install... *sigh*

Scrambling to find another spot... 1,500 to 2,500sqft. Any suggestions or hookups are appreciated.

4/9/2014 11:31:05 AM

bummer!

4/9/2014 2:11:36 PM

The old Kmart building on 401 in Garner.

You could make enough rum in there to supply the world!

4/9/2014 2:58:54 PM

We could very easily go outside of Raleigh.... we just don't want to be "Raleigh Rum Company (Distilled & Bottled in Garner, NC)"


Perhaps it may be better to simply start outside of Raleigh with a large space and move closer to downtown assuming we see some success in 2 years or so. We are very actively discussing options. My hope is a hail mary hookup with someone that has an empty warehouse in Raleigh that fits our needs...

4/9/2014 3:27:16 PM

Sound business plan. I would like to invest in your company.


Seriously though, that sucks. Hope you guys find something.

[Edited on April 9, 2014 at 3:59 PM. Reason : .]

4/9/2014 3:52:13 PM

Saw one of your logo's on an SUV out driving around the other day!

4/17/2014 8:57:24 PM

Either my wife, a family member, or a neighbor


We have about 8 tagged vehicles... We are kind of a big deal.

4/18/2014 12:24:37 AM

So we've found spaces and had them inspected... They pass inspection but it comes down to use. The main thing is getting a space classified for F-1 use. This is our roadblock. We need to find a space that had a previous tenant with this rating (yet to find one, most landlords don't even know the use classification and it is not documented anywhere) or hire an architect for ~$5k to draw up plans and submit them to the city for F-1 consideration - even if not a single thing needs to be changed in the space.

DONKYBALLZ

5/8/2014 3:43:38 PM

What's F1?

5/8/2014 5:16:54 PM

what's F1? does it just have to do with fire containment capability and stuff like that?

5/8/2014 5:52:35 PM

^Alcoholic Beverages are called out specifically for F-1, its just a building use category. It's for moderate hazard so no explosion requirements or anything like that, just some pretty basic fire related requirements. The budget he said is about right for a code review and submittal, and most places will already have sufficient sprinkler coverage and everything that nothing will likely need to be changed.

you'll really want to find a building that already has a building code summary sheet, if you are just resubmitting/updating its easy but its a little more expensive if you are starting from scratch.



[Edited on May 8, 2014 at 7:57 PM. Reason : (not an architect, but i have to deal with permitting classified spaces)]

5/8/2014 7:55:31 PM

What about that spot where "raleigh beach" was supposed to go.

It looks big.

5/9/2014 2:01:27 AM

^ I refuse to take that ridiculous dream away from the good people of Raleigh


The F designated Factory use. The number 1 is the highest level.

Like dtownral said, It is mostly firewall rating and a few other things that are required. Our main problem is none of these landlords have the plans or code sheets so we may simply resubmit them for F-1 consideration - so far 3 companies that we've worked with have nothing regarding plans/designs to help us. Just frustrating... but we will eventually figure it out.

5/9/2014 1:03:56 PM

During negotiations, remind the owner that they need that code sheet if they permit fit out or any construction so it has a value to them and if you pay for it they need to give you a break somewhere

5/9/2014 1:12:29 PM

that Raleigh beach thing was fake...there was never a plan to create that.

its the perfect location, warehouse and delivery place, not to mention when that new office opens in the warehouse district the exposure would be great.

5/10/2014 4:31:14 AM

Not publishing the location just yet, but this was a good day for us....


[Edited on May 12, 2014 at 7:34 PM. Reason : Outside of beltline...]

5/12/2014 7:31:42 PM

Congrats!

5/12/2014 7:35:12 PM

Woot!

5/12/2014 8:29:22 PM

OTB? No thanks, ITB fo lyfe

5/12/2014 8:58:50 PM

Have you looked around Atlantic/Hodges/Wake Forest rd.? That's where my business is located and there's a handful of empty light industrial.

5/12/2014 9:53:05 PM

^ Yes, we checked out an area that was VERY industrial off of Atlantic. It had a few too many 18 wheelers coming in and out constantly and did not appear very attractive for hosting tastings. It is still a potential backup if needed.

5/12/2014 10:08:39 PM

Quote :

"Yes, we checked out an area that was VERY industrial off of Atlantic. It had a few too many 18 wheelers coming in and out constantly and did not appear very attractive for hosting tastings."

big boss is in a similar location

5/13/2014 1:02:35 PM

Garner Rum Company

5/13/2014 1:10:26 PM

I'm going to start a competing distillery...
JoCo Likker Fact'ry.
We sell likker out the back of an old 18 wheeler that don't run no more.

5/13/2014 6:30:26 PM

We are really hoping to have the ability to sell directly to customers at the distillery. A few of local distillers have hired a lobbyist to push for new regulations that would allow this, the push is for review during the govt short session coming up (or going on now - I haven't followed that closely). Even if we could sell only 1 bottle to each customer per year - it would be a big step. ABC commission obviously is the hurdle here.

5/15/2014 11:34:11 AM

Congrats on getting your place!

5/16/2014 9:20:13 AM

July 1st is move-in day.


Also:

Quote :

"We need your help! NC House Bill (HB 842) is coming to a vote this week which would allow us to sell one bottle of rum per person per year, after a distillery tour. Taxes and everything would remain the same, so there would be no losses suffered by any government agencies. The resulting benefit would be only a very small positive boost for distilleries, which we will gladly take. Here is a map of districts for NC Senators and House Reps: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/representation/whorepresentsme.aspx Type in your address (either NC House Rep or NC Senator - or both) and it will show your district. Then select the district and "Open Member Page". This will show your rep. Please shoot them an email or call and politely insist that you would like to see them vote "Yes" on HB 842. Thanks & Cheers!"

6/25/2014 4:12:47 PM

I never sent in my address for the glass reward. Can I swing by the place next month to pick it up?

6/26/2014 12:52:58 PM

Of course. I'll post up times for backers to visit and pick up their swag after we are settled in.

6/26/2014 1:03:55 PM

where is your location going to be?

6/26/2014 1:11:01 PM

^^^^ What? That's ridiculous. Background?

6/26/2014 1:30:08 PM

^^1100 Corporation Pkwy #132. It is basically a 2,300 sqft garage. More space than we need, but we'll take it.

^ Regarding the bill? It is sponsored by a few existing distillers (Top of the Hill is one of the main backers). I am not sure of the complete history of it, but it is a small first step to get past the idea of complete ABC control of everything. The limitation on 1 bottle per person per year is mostly to appease the ABC, I am sure. To make sure they don't feel threatened by competition.

[Edited on June 26, 2014 at 1:36 PM. Reason : sadsadad]

6/26/2014 1:31:40 PM

^^ why is that ridiculous? that would be great.

6/26/2014 1:36:42 PM

I think he means regarding the 1 bottle per person, per year.

6/26/2014 1:37:11 PM

oh, well 1>0 so it's still nice

6/26/2014 2:14:24 PM

More info on the bill:

http://www.icontact-archive.com/f0sroF-XC63NnWTFkJ3hksZ6lNgpeHYP

6/26/2014 3:24:53 PM

Joco had this years ago

Percy flowers

6/26/2014 3:38:39 PM

Quote :

"^^1100 Corporation Pkwy #132. It is basically a 2,300 sqft garage. More space than we need, but we'll take it."

OMG that's near me!

6/26/2014 4:33:33 PM

^In that case, we'll be sure to put some extra locks in place.

7/1/2014 12:36:40 PM

Barrels acquired thanks to a partnership opportunity with Fullsteam Brewery. We age our rum in the barrels and they get them afterwards to allow their beer to absorb some of the great flavors.

7/10/2014 3:01:12 PM

Quote :

"...because people would rather buy a rum named after a tiny town in bumfuck nc than one that every 3rd grader knows? Name recognition makes a huge difference. "Raleigh Rum" is a much much better choice."

"Kill Devil" was a term in olden times used for rum, so there's a marketing benefit to it.

Best of luck to mildew. Would invest (as opposed to "giving money for free" a la Kickstarter ). Not too optimistic your plan to put a chink in the armor of the state's liquors monopoly will work. Once you allow 1 you're going to push for a few more which becomes a few more and before you know the ABC Stores are the post office competing with FedEx.

[Edited on July 10, 2014 at 8:48 PM. Reason : .]

7/10/2014 8:46:17 PM

We aren't relying on the ability to sell directly, but it would be a huge difference maker. I agree the ABC would apparently be opposed as to what it could lead to... I also kind of worry that some big guys could come in and exploit it.

However, the bill has passed a few readings in the house and senate already. I think this is the final round we are waiting on - if they get to it this year... There are only ~4 representatives that voted against it of ~115. So it seems like it is going to happen, the question is when can they finalize it.

7/10/2014 9:02:54 PM

nice! Glad to see the progress coming along

7/12/2014 9:57:51 AM