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The Kentucky Business Enterprises is one of the leading United States vending and food services programs operated by people who are blind.  The program trains and places individuals as self-employed operators of snack bars, cafeterias and automated vending facilities in public and private buildings across Kentucky. Director - Richard Nesbitt

Kentucky Business Enterprises "Quality Vending and Food Services for Your Company"

QUALITY EMPLOYMENT FOR KENTUCKIANS WHO ARE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Administered by the Kentucky Office for the Blind, the program trains and certifies Kentuckians who are legally blind in food service and licenses them to operate vending and other food facilities.

Kentucky Business Enterprises (KBE) administered snack bars, cafeterias and automated vending facilities are located in public and private locations across Kentucky.

The program provides full-time employment and career opportunities for Kentuckians who are legally blind, while providing quality vending and food services for government and business.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

Qualified clients of the Office for the Blind receive specialized training in food services and are certified as KBE licensed vendors. They operate food and vending facilities at public and private locations under KBE rules and regulations. Costs of initial stock and equipment are provided by KBE, and title for these items remains with the Commonwealth of Kentucky

Vendors operate their facilities as their own businesses, receiving income from the net profits.

The program provides interesting and rewarding career opportunities to Kentuckians who are legally blind.

FOOD SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON, TAILORED TO YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS

KBE is a full-time vendor, not a delivery service. Dedication to customer satisfaction is one of the main reasons for KBE's success.

Each service location is designed to provide the products customers want, in an attractive setting.

Each facility is adequately stocked from the first day of operation, offering a large selection of quality products at competitive prices. Where possible, products are purchased from local wholesalers, allowing the vendor to secure each customer's product preferences.

Only the most up-to-date equipment is used.

KBE's trained vending machine repair technicians provide prompt repair and preventive maintenance.

VENDORS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Each KBE facility is operated by a well-trained vendor whose top priority is providing courteous and immediate service.

On-site vendors stock their own machines, keep food service areas clean and make sure customers receive immediate return of any lost monies.

Why should you choose KBE as your vending and food service?

• Attractive and pleasant facilities

• Well-maintained, up-to-date equipment

• Quality, brand-name products

• Competitive prices

• Reliable equipment maintenance and repair

• Knowledgeable, service-oriented vendors

KBE is your assurance of top-quality vending and food products for your business, provided by skilled Kentuckians who are legally blind and make it their business to serve you.

A HISTORY OF SERVICE

KBE was started as a result of the Federal Randolph-Sheppard Act (Public Law 74-732) adopted in 1936. It was the nation's first program for individuals with visual impairments to use automated vending machine services. Training methods used here have served as models in all areas of food service for other programs across the nation.

Kentucky also was one of the first states to take advantage of federal law allowing automated vending at rest areas along interstate highways.

TRAINING PROGRAM

The purpose of the Training Program is to train blind consumers through the combined efforts of the Division of Client Services, Kentucky Business Enterprises, and the State Committee of Blind Vendors. Click here for specific details about the training program.

Kentucky Office for the Blind
P.O. Box 757    209 St. Clair Street    Frankfort, Kentucky    40602-0757     USA
Phone (Toll Free): 800-321-6668  or  877-592-5463   Phone: 502-564-4754
   Fax: 502-564-2951     TDD: 502-564-2929
Website Administrator -- blind@ky.gov
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This page was last updated on December 1, 2005