This is the first partnership between Damian’s and ATL Cold Storage. (Damian’s Enterprises Inc.)
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Florida officials attended a kickoff ceremony for a new ice cream distribution hub to be built along the Gulf Coast near Interstate 10. The $8 million project is a joint venture between Damian’s Enterprises Inc. and ATL Cold Storage.
“We’re not just breaking ground — we’re laying the foundation for more jobs, more growth, and a stronger local economy,” said Santa Rosa County Commissioner Kerry Smith. “We’re proud to have Damian’s and ATL Cold Storage investing in our community. This is a win for local businesses, a win for workers, and a win for everyone who enjoys great ice cream.”
The facility will be located in the town of Milton at the 88-acre Northwest Florida Industrial Park. The area is accessed by Florida State Road 87 and sits less than 1 mile from I-10 and 28 miles away from the Port of Pensacola.
County officials noted that the location also offers easy access to Houston, Nashville and Miami.
This is the first partnership between Damian’s and ATL Cold Storage. The facility offers Damian’s — established nearly 50 years ago — a new site from which to transport frozen desserts with assistance from its new partner. ATL Cold Storage was founded in 1990. Both companies are based in Pensacola. The operation is set to add 30 jobs to Florida’s Santa Rosa County.
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“We’re thrilled to be breaking ground on a facility that’s going to take our operations to the next level,” said Joseph Manning, president of Damian’s Enterprises. “This new campus is more than just bricks and mortar — it’s a statement of our commitment to quality, innovation, and, of course, keeping the ice cream coming.”
Founded in 1978 by Tony Jacobs, Damian’s began as a frozen lemonade company before expanding and growing to become a regional leader in direct store deliveries of frozen merchandise.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held Feb. 20. The facility is set to be operational by October.
“There’s nothing cooler than ice cream, except ice cream that’s sprinkled with jobs, layered with capital investment, and hand-dipped in the local economy,” said Shannon Ogletree, executive director of the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office.
Manning credited SREDO for helping advance the project.
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