Florida officials attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a new ice cream distribution hub, marking the beginning of an $8 million joint venture between Damian’s Enterprises Inc. and ATL Cold Storage. The facility will be built along the Gulf Coast near Interstate 10, in the town of Milton, located within the Northwest Florida Industrial Park.
“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, workers, and everyone who enjoys great ice cream.”
The new facility will sit on 88 acres and is easily accessible via Florida State Road 87. Its location is less than a mile from I-10 and just 28 miles from the Port of Pensacola, providing convenient access to key markets such as Houston, Nashville, and Miami.
This project marks the first collaboration between Damian’s Enterprises, a company founded nearly 50 years ago, and ATL Cold Storage, which was established in 1990. Both companies are based in Pensacola. The new facility will support the transportation of frozen desserts and is expected to create 30 jobs for Santa Rosa County.
Joseph Manning, president of Damian’s Enterprises, expressed excitement about the new venture. “We’re thrilled to be breaking ground on a facility that’s going to take our operations to the next level,” he said. “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 initially focused on frozen lemonade before expanding into direct store deliveries of frozen products, becoming a regional leader in the industry.
The facility is expected to begin operations in October, with officials highlighting its potential to stimulate local economic growth. Shannon Ogletree, executive director of the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office, described the project as a significant boost, saying, “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.”
Manning also credited the Santa Rosa Economic Development Office (SREDO) for its role in advancing the project.
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