Jack Link's® Feeds The Wild Side Of Minneapolis With New Retail And Restaurant Experience

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Jack Link's^® Protein Snacks announced plans to expand their presence in Minneapolis in the premier Mayo Clinic Square. The approximate 78,000 square-foot space will include a Jack Link's interactive retail center, a unique partnership bar and restaurant experience, a new product innovation center and office space for their expanding team.

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, Wisconsin, the expansion in Minneapolis is a result of the company's continued global growth in the meat snacks category.

"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, 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."

As the leading meat snack manufacturer worldwide, Jack Link's has a long legacy of understanding what consumers want and they are the first meat snack brand to provide their fans such a unique, interactive retail and restaurant experience.

"Jack Link's has very enthusiastic fans and this new space will give them an opportunity to Feed Their Wild Side like never before," Link said. "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. We also have an opportunity with our customers to showcase how we're growing the protein snack category with unique offerings and innovations."

The Jack Link's office and retail expansion is projected to grow the Minneapolis hub from 150 to 300 employees. Those interested in learning about opportunities with Jack Link's are encouraged to visit www.jacklinks.com/pages/careers.

"Jack Link's has been a part of the downtown community for eight years," said Steve Jandrich, vice president of human resources, Jack Link's. "It is exciting for us to expand our presence in the area and be part of the growing and dynamic changes the city is making."

The expansion plays a critical role in the ongoing growth and development of downtown Minneapolis as the Jack Link's retail and restaurant space was a fit for the new direction set forth by Minneapolis City Council.

"I'm pleased we can retain up to 300 jobs downtown through a growing, innovative company like Jack Link's," said City Council Member Jacob Frey. "We are finally moving away from massive square footage restaurant spaces. 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."

Camelot LLC, the building ownership group of the Mayo Clinic Square, pursues tenants, like Jack Link's, that lend international credibility and excitement to the area.

"With Jack Link's, Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine and the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, we now have three internationally recognized anchor tenants, which is a testament to the vibrancy and health of the downtown Minneapolis business community," said Phillip Jaffe, the lead representative for Camelot LLC.

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, Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx, Camelot LLC, Colliers International, RSP Architects, Dorsey & Whitney, LLC., CPED (Community Planning and Economic Development) and several city and county officials.

"If Minneapolis didn't know this Midwest-based company is the global name in meat snacks, they will now," said City Council Member Lisa Goodman, chairperson of the City Council's Community Development Committee. "We're very excited to welcome Jack Link's to their new downtown space. It's going to be a fun and unique experience for the downtown community and, of course, jerky lovers!"

The downtown Jack Link's retail and restaurant space will give Minnesota sports fans a new destination to gear up and celebrate their favorite teams.

"It's a slam dunk for us to have Jack Link's join us in the Mayo Clinic Square," said Chris Wright, president, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. "The Timberwolves, Lynx and Jack Link's fuel excitement, and we're looking forward to bringing our organizations together to create exciting opportunities for our fans."

The company plans to complete construction by the end of 2016. Additional details on the space, including renderings, will be released at a later date. 

About Jack Link's® Protein Snacks – Feed Your Wild Side™
Jack Link's is a global leader in snacks and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Headquartered in Minong, Wis., Jack Link's is a family-owned company that represents a heritage of quality and consumer trust, with the mission to Feed Your Wild Side. Jack Link's offers more than 100 premium meat snacks in a variety of flavors, sizes and price points, appealing to nearly every consumer and occasion. Check out JackLinks.com for more information on the brand.

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SOURCE Jack Link's(R) Protein Snacks