Peet’s Coffee opening $58 million roastery in Suffolk

Published December 9, 2016 by Veronica Garabelli

Emeryville, Calif.-based Peet’s Coffee announced Friday it is opening a $58 million roastery in Suffolk. The project is expected to create 135 jobs.

In a statement, Dave Burwick, the CEO of Peet’s Coffee, said this is the company’s first roastery outside of Alameda, Calif.  The 175,000-square-foot Suffolk location will produce a variety of coffees.

Alfred Peet founded Peet’s Coffee in 1966. The company distributes its coffee through a variety of channels, including 14,000 grocery stores.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe approved a $1 million grant from the Commonwealth Opportunity Fund to assist Suffolk with the project.

The company will be eligible to receive sales and use tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment and will receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program. The Virginia Jobs Investment Program also will provide funding and support for the company’s employee training activities.