Ben E. Keith Foods Breaks Ground on Alachua Distribution Center

ALACHUA ‒ In a major step forward for economic growth in North Central Florida, Ben E. Keith Foods has broken ground on a state-of-the-art, 707,000-square-foot distribution center in Alachua, Florida. The new facility, which will serve as the company’s Florida Division headquarters, is expected to create over 400 new jobs in the next five years, further strengthening the local economy.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Jan. 29, 2025 was attended by Alachua City Commissioners, company executives, the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, and local leaders, marking the official start of construction on the 148-acre site.

Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper welcomed the company’s expansion, emphasizing its positive impact on the region.

“Alachua is proud to welcome Ben E. Keith Foods’ Florida Division to our area. It is amazing to watch such successful companies choose ‘The Good Life Community’ as their home,” said Coerper. “We are looking forward to the opportunities Ben E. Keith Foods will be providing for our citizens and local businesses.”

Ben E. Keith Foods, the nation’s fifth-largest broad-line food service distributor, has been expanding rapidly across the Southeast, serving customers in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

The company’s President, Mike Sweet, reaffirmed Ben E. Keith’s commitment to Alachua County and the surrounding communities, noting that this expansion will enhance service capabilities while honoring the legacy of Florida Food Service, which the company acquired in 2022.

“We acquired Florida Food Service in 2022 with a commitment to carry on the Islam family legacy, while uncovering new opportunities to expand and serve customers across the region,” said Sweet. “We are deeply committed to Alachua County and the surrounding communities in which we live, work, and serve, and we look forward to many more years of shared success.”

The new facility will replace and expand upon the company’s existing Gainesville operations, where over 230 employees are currently based.

The Alachua distribution center is designed to set new industry standards with advanced technology, increased efficiency, and sustainable operations. The facility will feature 120 tractor-trailers for large-scale distribution, 105 dock doors to streamline 24/7 intake and outtake operations, state-of-the-art logistics systems to improve speed and accuracy in order fulfillment and sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact

With the Florida Division overseeing operations across the state and as far north as Charleston, South Carolina, the new Alachua facility will allow Ben E. Keith Foods to expand its reach and better serve foodservice operators throughout the region.

The arrival of Ben E. Keith Foods in Alachua represents a major economic boost for the city and surrounding areas. In addition to the hundreds of jobs the facility will create, the project is expected to generate millions of dollars in investment and infrastructure improvements.

Local businesses, suppliers, and vendors will also benefit from the increased economic activity, as Ben E. Keith Foods will rely on regional partnerships to support its expanded operations.

Founded in 1906 in Fort Worth, Texas, Ben E. Keith Foods is one of the largest foodservice distributors in the United States, with 10 divisions operating in 20 states. The company provides high-quality food products, beverage distribution, and logistics services to restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, and other foodservice providers

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