Meet Kris Young | Chile Roaster

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kris Young and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kris, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
To be honest, I did not “start” the roasting business that I own. I worked for the previous owner for some years helping and learning about how he operated. The time came when he no longer desired to run his business and offered me the opportunity to purchase it. After careful consideration I really just went with the old saying “opportunity only nocks once” so I went for it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I turned 16, I wanted my driver’s license so badly I would have done nearly anything to make that happen. I was told by my family that I needed a job to afford driving, but I didn’t want to work at a fast food place or the mall. My mom had a friend who said he would give me a job at a grocery store, and I thought, “Why not?” I bagged groceries for a couple of years, even achieving “bagger of the year” once. When I turned 18, I was promoted into the produce department where I fell in love with the world of fresh produce. I give 100% energy and effort to everything I do, and I was determined to make it to the top (produce manager status). I had my first child around age 22, and that pushed me even harder to be the best at what I was doing in the produce department. A few years later, I was almost promoted to management when a poor decision paused my trajectory. I made good on my mistake, worked even harder than before, and was promoted to produce manager sooner than expected! I spent several years as a produce manager being the best that I could be, but in any big company even the best don’t get seen. In these years as a manager, I met and became friends with Bob Cacouza, owner of Bob’s Honey bee Roasters. Bob worked for me as a produce clerk and soon asked for my help on the weekends at his business during the farmers market. Already loving the world of fresh produce, finding the farmer’s market was heavenly for me. I spent a few years helping Bob on the weekends while still working as a salary manager for the store. Bob approached me one day and asked if I wanted to purchase his business, though I told him I had no clue how to run my own business. He sat me down and showed me his numbers, operations, and logistics. It was a hard decision to make –
purchasing something so significant without the knowledge of how it would turn out. I decided to go for it, said yes, and signed a contract with Bob to purchase the business over the next three years. Unfortunately, Bob fell ill within a few weeks and passed within a month. However, I had signed a contract and therefore had an obligation. I kept my word to the Cacouza family and paid them for the business over the next three years. One year into ownership, I was still a produce manager for the grocery company, and I felt it was too much doing both. I wasn’t giving 100% to either endeavor and had to make a decision. I decided to step down from management, but not quit the store entirely. This allowed me to put nearly all of my energy and effort into my own business, Red’s Roasters. Stepping fully into the world of the farmer’s market felt so natural, and I was excited to learn about
all of it. I have now been a part of the Heirloom farmer’s market family of vendors for eight years, owning and operating my own business. I’ve met farmers and visited their farms, bought their produce, and roasted it at my booth. I’ve met restaurant owners who now buy my roasted products for use in their menu items. I’ve also met the most amazing customers/patrons who vist my booth weekly to purchase roasted green chiles, veggies, and more to take back to their own home and share with their families. At 16 years old, I never thought in a million years that I would own my own business roasting chiles and make a living doing it. I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for anything.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Tucson, AZ is and amazing city that has so many things to discover. Friends from out of town have visited and for a quick day trip we have gone up the beloved Mt. Lemon to have a cooler temperature setting while seeing the beautiful views of the city and enjoying some delicious fudge from the shop at the top. Other days were spent at the Desert Museum where we could experience every aspect of the desert in a smaller more intimate setting. Then there are the farmers markets around town on different days where you can find everything from fresh produce to baked goods and so much more. At night we would head downtown to grab a bite to eat at the Hub, then head over to Barrio Brewing Co. To get a local beer on tap.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout is dedicated to Bob Cacouza. Not long after I became a produce manager in the Bashas’ family of grocery stores, Bob came on as a team member in my department. After we developed mutual respect for one another’s work ethic in the store, he invited me to assist him with his own business, Bob’s Honeybee Roasters. Also, I’d like to mention that Heirloom farmer’s markets continues to provide me with the platform, as well as many other entrepreneurs to showcase what we are capable of.

Instagram: @redsroasters

Facebook: Reds Roasters