Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Columbus Department of Development is proposing to enter into a Columbus Downtown Office Incentive with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, LLC.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, LLC (Jeni’s) is a family owned artisan ice-cream company with national distribution. It is known for its creative flavors and its high-quality ingredients. The company was founded by Jeni Britton Bauer and her husband Charley Bauer. Tom Bauer, Charley’s brother, became a partner in 2003, and CEO John Lowe joined the company in 2009. In 1996, the first prototype store opened in the North Market area of Columbus called Scream Ice Creams. While Scream Ice Creams closed soon after it opened, it taught Jeni a lot about running a business. She then put herself through Penn State’s renowned Ice Cream Short Course, where Jeni learned the science of ice cream. She opened Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in 2002, again in the North Market. Drawing on the practices of a traditional pastry kitchen, Jeni created her own techniques to make American ice creams that are less sweet and more flavorful. The company has received renowned recognition and numerous awards for its flavored ice creams, i.e. Gold Award for Outstanding Product Line, Gold Award for Outstanding Dessert. Currently, there are 16 "Scoop Shop" locations in 5 states: Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee. Jeni's is also distributed in high-end groceries and markets nationwide.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, LLC is proposing to relocate its corporate headquarters from Clinton Township to Columbus by investing approximately $200,000 in leasehold improvements, which includes machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures. The company will enter into a long-term lease agreement on a vacant office space consisting of approximately 17,000 square feet, relocate 40 full-time jobs (which will be new to Columbus) with an estimated annual payroll of approximately $2.43 million and create 15 new full-time permanent positions...
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