Joe’s Flat Iron Café

Hello. Some of you may know me, and others do not. My name is Joe Almand and I am a former Skowhegan Fire Fighter and self-employed carpenter that has lived and worked within our great community for the past eighteen years. Last summer, I suffered an accident that eliminated my ability to fully move forward with either of these professions. After a great deal of thought, research and planning, I have decided to redirect my attention to another lifelong passion- COFFEE. Joe’s Flat Iron Café, a soon-to-be community oriented business that I have been in the stages of creating for several months, will provide an incredible space for people of all ages to meet up and enjoy good coffee and food.

On July 26, 2022, I endured a harrowing fall into the Skowhegan Kennebec Gorge, where I broke bones in both of my wrists, ribs and in my face. Additionally, I punctured my lung, damaged my nasal cavity and withstood a severe head injury. Thankfully, I was rescued by my brothers and sisters at the Skowhegan Fire Department, the Skowhegan Police Department and EMS from Redington Fairview General Hospital. Life Flight transported me to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where I then spent twelve days in recovery.

In early February of this year, I was interviewed by Bangor Daily News, who ultimately wrote a fantastic article about my story and future goals, with the a brief inclusion on my business plan and timeline. To read, please click the link below.

https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/02/02/news/central-maine/firefighter-coffee-shop-downtown-skowhegan-xoasq1i29/

In the Bangor Daily News article, it mentions that the fall was due to my attempted retrieval of a drone that had become stuck in a tree. The operator of this drone was collecting footage of the Kennebec River for a promotional video, where it unfortunately got stuck in a tree within the gorge. I have always been known to complete various random acts of volunteerism in our community, so when I received a call from several friends inquiring about assistance, I quickly went to the location of the drone owner to assess the situation. Upon my evaluation, one misstep caused me to fall down a 25 foot embankment, followed by an additional 15 foot tumble. I do not have any regrets in my decision to help retrieve this drone, and I would do it again if asked. I, of course, would try not to fall- but I would do it again.

So, after all of this, why the café?

Roughly a month or so after my accident, I was approached by a building owner in downtown Skowhegan about opening a coffee shop. Prior to my accident, this conversation had begun several times, and the idea had always been conceptual. Sometimes, as many of us have experienced, the stars align perfectly and changes are either made or naturally occur in our lives that suddenly send us down a different path. Many times, it is truly meant to be. I have always been a community-oriented person, and truly enjoy volunteering and working with organizations like Main Street Skowhegan, Skowhegan Free Public Library, Skowhegan Regional Chamber of Commerce and other groups. When we began talking about a coffee shop, I wanted it to reflect the same community-oriented values that I possess year-round. I love interacting with people on a day-to-day basis while creating food, coffee and other fun beverages for all to enjoy. My goal is to design a space that can be utilized for anything from meeting with family and friends, to a casual first date. We will feature, comfortable seating with tables, chairs and counters meant for completing work, reading books and playing board games throughout the day.

At this time, I am graciously asking for assistance- in the collective amount of $25,000- from those that surround this future space and wish to see it flourish into its full potential. These funds will provide immense aid in acquiring several of the kitchen tools and barista-related equipment necessary to make our coffee shop experience one of the best possible. We have already purchased our espresso machine (along with some various coffee brewing equipment) and are looking to expand on what we have so that we can offer more food and beverage options. Below, you can view a list of some specific items that we are looking to purchase. This list is numbered in order of priority, and we will aim to purchase any items on this list with the money that we do raise, as well as many smaller items that are also heavily needed.

1. (2) Small Convection Ovens- $1,900

2. (1) Induction Cook Top Oven- $3,500

3. (2) Reach-in Refrigerators- $2,400

4. (1) Reach-in freezer- $1,200

5. (1) Ice Machine- $3,500

6. (2) Commercial Panini Presses- $700

7. (1) 3-Bay Sink and (1) Hand Wash Sink- $1,800

8. Furniture - couches, tables, chairs, etc. for seating 50 - 60 people- $10,000

Totaling $25,000

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I want to personally thank my community for seeing the vision, understanding the potential and stepping forward to help carry my dream into fruition, one step at a time. I can promise you this- Skowhegan will remain a wonderful place to reside, and I will do my very best to add value to our historic downtown district in every way possible.

no raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to my GoFundMe.