FAIRFIELD, CA—Just Desserts, an award-winning bakery, founded in San Francisco in 1974, plans to open a 75,000 square-foot manufacturing facility here in May.
The Fairfield location at 5000 Fulton Drive will house the company's production facility and some administrative offices. Just Desserts' San Francisco location will have administrative offices and an innovation center, including a test kitchen.
"Our business enjoyed double digit growth in 2014 through the introduction of our new organic and vegan product offerings," says Michael Mendes, Just Desserts CEO. "With the introduction of new products, our new proprietary-packaging platform and expanded production facility, we expect accelerated growth in the future."
The company is moving from Oakland because of its need for a larger facility. The Fairfield site is double the size of Just Desserts' current bakery in Oakland. It is being designed and equipped to handle the company's new organic and premium vegan baked items and will have enhanced production capabilities, as well as an in-house quality control laboratory.
Mendes says the company conducted an exhaustive search for a new site, even looking as far away as Nevada and Texas.
"We chose Fairfield because of the value of real estate, the City's business-friendly environment, and the fact that the transportation lanes are attractive for shipping and transporting product, " says Mendes. "We also found that the access to skilled workers in the area is well-suited to our needs."
At full production, Just Desserts estimates it will create over 100 new jobs at the Fairfield facility.
"We are pleased that Just Desserts will be joining our community of top food and beverage companies that have found a sweet spot in Fairfield," says Ken Cantrell, senior economic development project manager with Fairfield's economic development department. "We have attracted companies because of our commitment to building a strong infrastructure that includes an ample supply of water and a state-of-the-art wastewater system."
Just Desserts is an artisan-inspired baking company that makes premium desserts and wholesome sweet snacks that are sold in grocery and convenience retailers from coast to coast. Just Desserts was founded in San Francisco in 1974 with a passion for making the most delicious desserts that are always handcrafted and made from quality kitchen pantry ingredients.
Fairfield appeals to companies because of its central location to the San Francisco Bay Area's North and East Bay, proximity to ports, airports, rail and freeways. The city is a hub for food and beverage companies including: Jelly Belly Candy Company, Anheuser Busch, Crystal Geyser, Engelhart Gourmet Foods, Frank-Lin Distillers, Guittard Chocolates, Heretic Brewing Company, and Sunnyside Farms to name a few.