If you haven't worked with an architect or designer before, you may wonder whether your project really requires it. Particularly if your project is a remodel or renovation of an existing space. Hiring a design professional will add value to your ideas and give the entire project direction. A good designer can assist you in considering all structural, aesthetic and sustainable options for your project, not to mention, obtaining building permits and health department approvals.

Yes. Retail Coffee establishments are considered restaurants by virtually every state. In every community there are public health guidelines and food service standards that will be considered by your building department. Most likely, you will need County Health Department and/or Environmental Health review and approval of your project before you can even apply for a building permit. Some jurisdictions require proprietors to take a food service test to assure that new establishments are being managed in accordance with their states food code. If you are doing more than painting, then most likely you’ll need a permit.

The design process takes about 3 – 4 weeks, depending on your team’s ability to communicate clearly, commit and communicate over email, and make decisions. Establishing a clear design goal with your designer will make this process quicker.

In the coffee business water is essential to proper brewing quality and taste of coffee and espresso drinks. We recommend anyone in the specialty beverage industry to get their water tested by a specialty water filtration provider. Free of charge a reputable company will send you a test kit. The sample is sent back to their lab for testing and a recommendation for filtration and conditioning system is then made.

Yes, we provide drawings and specifications based on the equipment ergonomics for your menu and the configuration of your space. All drawings are thoroughly detailed to solicit pricing from manufacturers and sub-contractors. We always consider specialty companies like Millrock to assist in fabrication, quality control and cost estimating casework products.

Health department review can take as little as 3 hours for approval in a face to face meeting if your jurisdiction allows, to up to 45 days in a jurisdiction where complete contract document submittal is required. Cafe Dna will see you through this process and accompany you to the Health Department for a plan review meeting or submittal.

Depending on your location and availability of sub-contractors to do the work, we estimate that 8 to 12 weeks be scheduled for the on-site construction process. This time frame includes building inspections and installation of equipment and furniture, but will not include the permitting process.

Yes, Café DnA provides this service. We will assist you in sorting through the pool of general contractors’ in your area. Being an outsider can help you out in the long run by screening out “un-qualified” contractors.

Depending on your project size and location. A new tenant improvement space at 1800 square feet with a drive up will be much more expensive than a kiosk or a drive-thru only style building. Example: 2007 Boise Idaho 1700 square foot T.I. build out walk-in with drive up window construction costs only with minor upgrades = $255,000.00 Add to that $55,000 in equipment costs, not to mention sewage and municipal fees and permits add an additional $12,000; $19,500 for a refrigerated display case, add food, supplies, etc. Cafe DnA can help you with a complete construction estimate before contract documents go to bid.

Café DnA stays current with specialty coffee industry and food service industry trends. We provide full specification and quotes from at least 2 equipment providers so you can get a competitive edge. WE DO NOT sell equipment, but we help you decide on what is best for your budget and use.

As part of the interior design package, CafeDnA provides complete retail lighting design and specifications that will meet local energy requirements. In addition, we can provide you with the best sources for café seating, and other furnishings.

Cafe DnA provides full Interior Architectural permit contract document services, including Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineering drawings throughout the country, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico. With our network of licensed professionals, be assured your project will have a state seal from a licensed professional in your area.

We can certainly assist in designing your site signage as well as locating on the property. We recommend using a local signage professional to service and install your exterior signage.

Yes, CafeDnA provides logo and web design. Our logo designs are produced based on a questionnaire we provide to you to determine your desired aesthetic, then we give you a dozen or so to choose from. Our web designs are produced in-house by a professional web developer and are completely customized based on your needs.