Richmond- Governor Ralph Northam announced that Commune Bakery LLC will create five new jobs and invest $163,000 in the City of Virginia Beach to create new commercial bakery. As part of this project, Commune Bakery LLC commits to purchasing more than $200,000 of Virginia-grown grain, eggs, milk, and honey over the next three years.
“Commune Bakery LLC’s continued growth and investment in the City of Virginia Beach is great news for Virginia’s agriculture sector and for our economy overall,” said Governor Northam. “Today’s announcement will create new jobs and demonstrates that demand for Virginia’s agricultural products is on the rise. I commend Commune on their commitment to providing opportunities to our farmers and congratulate them on this expansion.”
“Through its commitment to sourcing ingredients from Virginia’s agricultural producers, Commune Bakery LLC is further supporting Virginia’s farmers,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. “I am pleased the Commonwealth could partner with the City of Virginia Beach through the AFID Program to support this local business in a flourishing industry.”
Owners of Commune Kevin Jamison and Isiah White said, “In the three years we have been in business, we have been using over 90% locally grown and produced products between our two restaurants. We enjoy working directly with Virginia farmers so that we can constantly offer a unique menu that highlights Virginia agriculture and the importance of local food systems. Expanding to open this new bakery is exciting, and we are grateful to VDACS and the City of Virginia Beach for helping us make good use of what was once an abandoned auto repair shop!”
“This partnership with Virginia energizes the ViBe Creative District and increases opportunities for our farmers,” said Mayor William D. Sessoms.“This is one of the many ways the City can support small business growth. We are so pleased with the initial applicants and look forward to even more improvements in the District.”
"I am delighted by Commune’s decision to expand their business," said Senator DeSteph. “The ViBe district is a growing, vital area of Virginia Beach, and Commune’s willingness to broaden their presence is a boon to our community. Commune Restaurant, and now Commune Bakery LLC, offer locally sourced, unique dining options enjoyed by tourists and residents alike. Virginia Beach is fortunate to have an establishment such as Commune contribute to the strength of our local economy, and I am honored to have a robust business like Commune in my district.”
“Commune Bakery has quite a fine reputation for good food using local farm products”, said Delegate Knight. “This is exactly what we envisioned using the AFID grant monies to do. Expanding and creating markets for value added local farm products. Congratulations to Commune Bakery.”
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with the City of Virginia Beach and Commune Bakery LLC to secure this project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $15,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, which the City of Virginia Beach will match with local funds.
Source: Office of VA Governor Ralph Northam
