On Monday, November 12, the Pleasant Prairie Plan Commission considered and approved Site and Operational Plans for Good Foods Group LLC, an all natural food manufacturer of preservative free dips, sides and salads. Good Foods Group has plans to occupy a 56,335 square foot building in LakeView Corporate Park at 10100 88th Avenue. The Pleasant Prairie location will expand upon the company's current 10,000 square foot facility and additional rented space in Chicago.

While presenting at the November 12 meeting, Good Foods Group founder and CEO Kurt Penn indicated future intent to purchase the Pleasant Prairie building. The company plans to move all senior management to the new site, which will become the company's headquarters. Good Foods has plans to invest $1.5 million to modify the facility and to purchase $2.75 million worth of additional equipment. The company anticipates employing 50 to 75 employees at the Pleasant Prairie location upon startup with the potential for up to 150 employees within the first five years if the company experiences steady growth.

The Penn family founded Good Foods Group in 2007. Good Foods Group makes all natural refrigerated dips, salsas, salads and sides and then uses a high-pressure pasteurization process to preserve the foods naturally. The company distributes its products nationally to retail and food service outlets such as: Costco, BJ's, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Potbelly's, Pret-A-Manger, Roti Mediterranean Grill, and Moe's Southwest Grill. The company anticipates that construction at the facility will begin within the next 30 days to accommodate a mid-February occupancy.