The beloved Remedee Coffee Roasters, run by sisters Amanda and Colie Escobar, has been shut down by New Jersey state authorities. Operating out of their garage in Atlantic City's Lower Chelsea neighborhood, the sisters had started their small-batch craft coffee roastery under the state's Cottage Food Operator law during the pandemic. This law permits home bakers to sell goods from their homes, with certain restrictions. However, the state Health Department revoked their license, claiming they violated the Cottage Food Rule by functioning more like a "pop-up weekend coffee shop." Despite their efforts to comply, the state deemed their Instagram activities as proof of their extended operations beyond the permit's scope. The Escobar sisters are now searching for a new location, potentially a full retail storefront in Lower Chelsea or nearby Ventnor, to continue serving their loyal customers. The incident underscores the challenges small businesses face in navigating regulatory landscapes while trying to innovate and serve their communities.
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