We're bursting with excitement here at Tonja's Toffee, and we wanted to give all our loyal fans an update on the progress of our brand-new manufacturing and distribution center!
Things are really humming along, and we can almost taste the increased production and even faster delivery of your favorite toffee.
We know you've been curious about our new digs, so we've put together some answers to your most frequently asked questions:
FAQs: Your Guide to Our Sweet New Future
Q: Where exactly is the new facility located?
A: Our new manufacturing and distribution center is located in our hometown of Leoti, Kansas.
The new address will be 1005 E Broadway, or more easily explained - right next to Dollar General.
Q: Why are you building a new facility?
A: Tonja's Toffee has experienced continued growth since the beginning, triggering the continual need for more space.
From my mom's home kitchen, to the installed commercial kitchen in her garage, to the installed commercial kitchen in my garage and shipping center in my basement, we're once again bursting at the seams.
Our new facility will allow us to both make toffee more efficiently and give us lots of room to grow before needing to expand further.
Q: What new capabilities will this facility bring to Tonja's Toffee?
A: This new center is a game-changer for us! It will allow for:
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Significantly increased production capacity: Our current cooker and team can reasonably cook 125lbs per DAY. In our new space with our new cooker we will be able to cook 100 lbs in under an HOUR.
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Enhanced efficiency in the Kitchen: Additional steps like breaking and bagging will take up the same amount of time, but we will have the SPACE to do those things more quickly and efficiently.
In our current kitchen we have to pause the packaging process every few hours to pour the toffee. In the new kitchen we will have stations for each step in the process including separate areas for ingredient prep and washing.
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Enhanced efficiency in Shipping: We're looking forward to not having to carry product up and down stairs for storage and shipping!
Product will flow seamlessly from the kitchen, to storage, and out the door to our expectant customers more quickly.
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Future innovation: We will also have the space to devote our current cooker to testing out new products!
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Office Space: The new facility will include a few offices for us to function out of and a conference room that we hope will serve us as we seek to grow our sales.
Q: Where will the entrance be?
A: As of right now, customers will enter from Wichita Street.
We would love to have highway access, but are currently unable due to factors outside of local control.
Q: When is the new facility expected to be open?
A: We're aiming for a fully operational launch by October 1.
The team is diligently working to ensure everything is perfect for a smooth transition and enhanced production in time for our holiday rush.
Q: Will there be a storefront?
A: We have tossed around many ideas (some of which, you may have heard), but the main purpose of our new facility is to manufacture and distribute Tonja's Toffee.
We do have a beautiful space that will serve as an area for visitors to walk in and buy toffee (and maybe merch!).
There are no current plans of selling or serving other items. Leoti is our home and any future dreams will be run through the filter of what's good for our families, for Leoti, and for the people we hope to hire.
Q: Will this change the taste or quality of my favorite toffee?
A: Absolutely not! Our commitment to the same time-honored recipes, premium ingredients, and artisanal craftsmanship remains unwavering.
The new facility will simply allow us to produce more of the high-quality, delicious toffee you've come to love, with even greater efficiency.
We are so grateful for your continued support and can't wait to open our new home to you.
This expansion is a testament to the incredible community of toffee lovers we've built, and we're excited for this next chapter.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being a part of the Tonja's Toffee family!
As always - stay sweet!
Aubrey
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