THUNDER BAY – BUSINESS – Jim Stadey of Eat Local Pizza states, “We are very excited to announce our plans to develop a frozen pizza factory in Thunder Bay.”
Eat Local Pizza has made using local Thunder Bay region flour, cheese, meats and creativity into a growing pizza empire. Well known for helping out local causes with pizza the company has developed a very loyal following.
Now, Eat Local is headed out on the next steps adding to the pizza world.
Stadey reports, “Working in conjunction with the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Center we secured funding for the first of three phases of development. The contribution from the Next Level Grant allows us to accelerate product development and create two new jobs immediately. We are very impressed with the level of support from the Innovation Center for businesses looking to scale up and develop manufacturing. We have recently concluded a study of market opportunities in surrounding communities and decided it is the right time to move forward.”
“One day they will remember me as the Willy Wonka of pizza” – Jim Stadey
We have been receiving ongoing guidance from the Community Economic Development Commission on the second and third phases of the factory project, with the third phase expected to generate eight new jobs and allow us to permanently expand our sales into greater Ontario and beyond.
“The Frozen Pizza Factory will prioritize mass produced frozen pizzas highlighting Thunder Bay ingredients as well as frozen pasta options. As we begin to reach capacity in the Thunder Bay market share for conventional pizzas, and as we continue to evolve into an e-commerce centric company, this step is one that will help us continue to expand into new markets” shares Stadey.
“As always, it is a pleasure doing business in Thunder Bay,” concludes Stadey.
