Council approves $40,000 Pioneer grant package for Function Coffee Co.; $25,000 contingent on roastery relocating back to Northlake

Tony Dosat, founder of Function Coffee Co., told council his operation started roasting from a home office in January 2025 and has since shipped to 38 states; he said 30% of current sales come from Northlake and that the cafe and proposed roastery will create roughly 12–16 local jobs.

Dosat described a phased incentive: $15,000 at the cafe's certificate‑of‑occupancy issuance to support pre‑opening and staff training, and a contingent $25,000 grant if the roastery relocates to Northlake within three years. "I started roasting coffee out of my home office in January 2025 as a side gig," Dosat said, describing rapid growth and a goal to create an experiential roastery and public events. Economic‑development staff summarized expected town receipts (about $12,000 annual sales‑tax estimate initially) and said combined sales and property‑tax payback was estimated in roughly three years.

Council discussed priorities for sit‑down restaurants versus specialty retail and debated grant strategy; supporters said the business showed local demand and branding value. Council approved the two‑reading resolution: initial funding (CO issuance) and contingent funding tied to the roastery relocation. The first reading carried (motion 6–1); as read again and voted, the second reading passed (5–2 on the record for the second reading). Staff will track the contingency and any clawback conditions.

Outcome: Council approved the EDC/CDC recommendation to award up to $40,000 in two phases with the $25,000 conditioned on a roastery relocation within three years.