- December 15, 2025
The City Council will likely make a decision at its May 22 workshop.
City officials are still stirring the batter of home-based food businesses after hearing a presentation Tuesday by Palm Coast residents who wish to open their own bakery.
Last month, the City Council delayed aligning its regulations on the cottage food industry with new state legislation.
However, at its April 17 regular meeting, City Councilman Jason DeLorenzo requested to hear a presentation from potential home-based food business owners.
Palm Coast residents Rick de Yampert and Cheryl Sheppard want to open their home-based business as a stepping stone to occupying a storefront. They presented their idea Tuesday to the City Council, which mostly highlighted food safety and business plans.
City Councilman Bill Lewis reiterated that allowing home-based food businesses could hinder Palm Coast’s vision and would overcrowd residential neighborhoods.
De Yampert, however, said it’s not their intention to sell out of their home. Rather, they would like to be vendors at city- and county-sanctioned events, sell at farmers markets and deliver to people.
“Should we open up the gate for all the other small businesses out there ...” Lewis said. “I’m not convinced that’s what we want to do.”
De Yampert said the gate is already open.
City Councilman Frank Meeker said if the city doesn’t want to allow home-based food business, then maybe all home occupancy businesses should be looked at.
“We are, by our own regulations, limiting the potential of growth of small businesses,” Meeker said. “We should be encouraging people to find a way, come in, start something up, and move it to the next level.”
The ultimate goal, de Yampert said, is to move into a storefront once their client base warrants the expansion.
The discussion will continue May 22.
