Restaurant Depot, a restaurant wholesaler supplying businesses and non-profits with food, equipment, and supplies, celebrated the grand opening of its Ypsilanti Township, Mich. location this morning. The company worked with Ann Arbor SPARK to secure an Innovate Ypsi grant that helped it build its new facility.
Restaurant Depot’s new 55,000 square foot store, located at 1347 James L. Parkway, is expected to bring 35 to 45 new jobs to the community. It will offer a broad selection of products from fresh produce to kitchen equipment for independent restaurants, caterers, and non-profits.
Innovate Ypsi is a program offered by Ann Arbor SPARK and the Washtenaw Office of Community and Economic Development designed to provide funding to businesses that create jobs and investment in the 48197 and 48198 zip codes. Projects are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by a review committee, with consideration given to the type of project, number of new employees, capital investment, financial support and impact on the community.
“Ann Arbor SPARK is committed to finding ways to continue to grow the economy in the eastern part of our county, and the Innovate Ypsi grant incentivizes businesses to consider Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township as a location for growth,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “Working with Restaurant Depot to transform a long-vacant property is exactly the type of project that Innovate Ypsi was designed to attract.”
“We are excited to welcome Restaurant Depot to Ypsilanti Township and I know all the restaurants in Washtenaw County will be too,” said Ypsilant Township supervisor Brenda Stumbo. “The Township is really diverse, culturally, and that’s reflected in our restaurant scene. Not only is Restaurant Depot adding jobs and investing in the Township, but it is providing a much needed service to our smaller independent operators and supporting our food entrepreneurs.”
About Ann Arbor SPARK
Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention. The organization identifies and meets the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.
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