● Low-cost. Try to avoid monthly fees. Percentage of sales (credit card fees, processing fees) are normal. ● Calendar will link with Google Calendar that can then be shared with others. ● Easy for the customer to use. Finding available dates should be easy; bookings and payments should be uncomplicated. We recommend test driving whatever system you choose to use before purchasing it. Design: Oven, Structure & Space Designing the oven and the surrounding space is an important part of creating an environment that suits your needs and intentions. There are the basic considerations regarding building an oven that works well and is durable, but even this can come in many forms. Take your time and do your research; make sure you have a sense of why you are designing it and who it is for. Create sketches and designs in advance to make sure the construction is suitable to the space. Bring in people that can help you design an oven and surrounding space that will meet your initial needs, but also provide room to grow. Questions to ask: ● How big will the oven be? How many people can use it at the same time? ● What is capacity for the surrounding space? Does the space facilitate needs? ● Do you want/need shelter? Over the oven or nearby (rain, shade, sitting area)? ● How accessible is it, or could it be, for wheelchairs, elderly, disabled, mobility issues, etc.? ● Are there bathrooms nearby? Hand washing stations? ● What is your budget? How much do you have to spend? ● Can it be built in phases? Or will it be done all at once? ● Do you need permission to build where you want to? Are permits required? ● Is it volunteer built or will it be done through contractors? ● Is community engagement part of the process? Who decides on design? If the community, then it's important to plan to do this so it is effective. More people involved means more people to please. It can be worth it, but it is extra work and requires a well thought out process. VIP Connections Builder → To help design and build the oven, create a budget, work with building code, etc. Architect → Help with design concept and planning. Also helps in presenting to town council or similar. Engineer → To make sure it is safe and to sign off on architectural drawings, permits, etc. Front Street Community Oven Criteria Space ● Centrally located so it is seen by as many people as possible to increase engagement. ● Suitable space around the oven in which to host a lot of people so the oven can be included with bigger and shared community events. ● Close to local amenities; within easy walking distance to get ingredients, public bathrooms. ● Green space so that people can be in a park, lay out blankets to picnic, etc. ● Water on site for drinking water, washing stations, cleaning tables, and equipment. ● Flat ground and accessible for wheelchairs, mobility-challenged, etc. ● Power nearby so we can run tools for building, as well as for lighting and other equipment as necessary. Oven ● Big enough to hold a large capacity of food. We want the space to be used by a lot of people and also as a way to have food production for food banks, etc. The Front Street Community Oven’s oven is 48 inches in diameter on the inside of the oven; we do not recommend making an oven smaller than 36 inches on the inside as it needs to fit a fire and multiple food items. 7
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