Supporting the local food community
We specialize in helping food-based businesses with their essential operations. Over a decade working in Atlanta’s good food community, has led Lauren to create Sorghum & Rye Operations. Founded in 2017 and expanded to Seattle, Washington in 2022.
Lauren Carey, CEO
Lauren has been working directly with small businesses as well as developing Leaven Kitchen (www.Leavenkitchen.com) for the past four years. Lauren managed Peachtree Road Farmers Market from 2009-2017 where helping young food businesses get started was a full-time job. Whether she was dealing with commercial kitchens, licensing and permits, labeling, insurance or good food sourcing, it wasn’t a job but a way of life. With a deep respect for local farmers, she co-founded The Farmer Fund, which supports Georgia’s sustainable farmers after natural disasters. Lauren is also a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier International.
Areas of Service
Commercial Kitchen Design
With the support of our team we can provide you architectural plans, full mechanical, engineering, plumbing and grease trap plans for permits and building. We will help you choose the right equipment for your business including a full design layout and equipment list for purchase & permit.
BUSINESS Systems
The startup and small business marketplace is still a new and fierce frontier that requires balancing preparation and nimble reactions to changes. We can assist with food costing, budget creation and management, logistics and systems as well as inventory management.
Licensing
Owning a food business has slim margins and lots of licensing requirements. Navigating the licensing (Department of Agriculture, Health Department, Liquor license, Fire Marshall, Department of Watershed) realm can be intimidating but failure to do it correctly can mean big fines and a complete stop in operations.
Local food sourcing
Sourcing from local farmers and producers isn’t just trendy, it means building a community who supports you. Fresher cleaner ingredients prepared in partnership with fellow small businesses who grow with you is a smart investment. We can help you balance food cost and food quality.