MINNEAPOLIS --Meat snack maker Jack Link’s has announced plans to expand its presence in Minneapolis in Mayo Clinic Square. The approximately 78,000-square-foot space will include a Jack Link’s interactive retail center, a bar and restaurant experience, a new product innovation center and office space.
“Our plans for Minneapolis are what the Jack Link’s culture is all about—hard work, quality, passion, high-energy and fun,” said Troy Link, president and CEO of Jack Link’s. “We’ve experienced phenomenal growth over the last few years, and this new space will continue to fuel future growth. Our expansion plans will provide on-site state-of-the-art resources including a new innovation center that will help our team members continue unleashing their passion to drive product innovation and company growth.”
The new downtown space will be located in the Mayo Clinic Square on Sixth Street and Hennepin. While the family-owned company will maintain its headquarters in Minong, Wis., the expansion in Minneapolis is a result of the company’s growth in the meat snacks category, it said.
Jack Link’s will also leverage its knowledge of consumers to create an interactive retail and restaurant experience. The retail and restaurant space will give Minnesota sports fans a new destination to gear up and celebrate their favorite teams.
“Staying directly connected with people who buy our products is key to fueling our passion and will ensure that even as we grow, we don’t become corporate stiffs,” said Link. “We also have an opportunity with our customers to showcase how we’re growing the protein snack category with unique offerings and innovations.”
A partner or partners for the bar and restaurant are still in the works, a Jack Link’s spokesperson told CSP Daily News.
The company said it expects the office and retail expansion to increase the size of the Minneapolis hub from 150 to 300 employees.
The retail and restaurant space was a fit for the new direction set forth by Minneapolis City Council.
“We are finally moving away from massive square footage restaurant spaces,” said Minneapolis City Council Member Jacob Frey. “The future of retail and dining is smaller, more manageable spaces, and I’m confident that the negotiated deal with Jack Link’s will reflect these goals.”
The development of the Jack Link’s space was a collaboration with several partners to ensure the vision of both Jack Link’s and the Mayo Clinic Square area. Partners include the Mayo Clinic, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx basketball teams, Camelot LLC, Colliers International, RSP Architects, Dorsey & Whitney LLC, Community Planning & Economic Development and several city and county officials.
The company plans to complete construction by the end of 2016.
Jack Link’s offers more than 100 meat snacks in a variety of flavors, sizes and price points.
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