CHARLESTOWN, Ind. — One of the most iconic restaurant chains in the United States is opening a new bakery in southern Indiana.
The Cheesecake Factory is opening a large bakery for manufacturing and distributing its signature cheesecake and other desserts to operators, retailers and distributors. According to a news release, the company bought 37 acres so it could open its third U.S. baking facility in Charlestown, Indiana.
“We are very pleased to locate our new bakery production facility in Charlestown, Indiana,” David Overton, founder, chairman and CEO of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated, said. “Over the last half century our desserts have developed a reputation around the world, and we are so pleased that we’ll have a third bakery production facility to support our domestic and international growth into the future.”
Officials said the bakery and operations will be housed in the River Ridge Commerce Center and will invest over $74 million into the land, construction, machinery, fixtures and IT.
“This commitment by The Cheesecake Factory to bring its bakery production facility to River Ridge is a major moment for the commerce center and exemplifies the investment and rapid growth we’re creating on the Charlestown side of River Ridge,” Jerry Acy, River Ridge development authority executive director, said.
The bakery and distribution operations should have more than 200 employees by 2025. This will make the average wage higher than the Clark County average, the release said.
"In a matter of hours, we already had messages and comments from people in the community asking how quickly they will be hiring," Charlestown Mayor Treva Hodges said.
Hodges said for years Jeffersonville has added to their side of the corridor, bringing in several facilities and franchises. Now, it's time for Charlestown to do the same.
She said the city has been in preparation for a company like The Cheesecake Factory. Most recently, the mayor said that they invested in roads, parks, housing opportunities, and a wastewater facility. She assured that the city is ready to welcome new residents and more opportunities the factory may bring.
"[I'm] really hoping that Cheesecake Factory will take advantage of some of the other developable land around here and give us a restaurant to go with that manufacturing bakery," Hodges said.
The Cheesecake Factory has more than 300 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.
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