A plan to open a food manufacturing facility at a former Hardee’s restaurant is “pushing past the finish line,” the project leader reported to the Oconto Falls City Council on Dec. 10.
Mike Faucett, who has been appearing before the council regularly for several months, announced in October that six individual investors and one corporation were in the process of forming a new company named Edna M’s, with the intention of producing private-label food products.
“They were able to get funding and everything together so they’re not going to have liens on the building,” Faucett said Dec. 10. “I look at it from a business plan standpoint, being able to go in with a clean slate, not having any big debt overhanging this new venture.”
The project continues to be on course to start business Jan. 1, get the required permits and begin production as soon as possible during the new year, he said.
“I’m optimistic about the group,” Faucett said. “It’s a good time to be starting a business, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they do.”
The Hardee’s restaurant at 782 N. Main St. closed at least a decade ago; the building housed a microbrewery for a short time but has been vacant for several years. The property is currently owned by Messenger Property Management LLC of Appleton, for which Faucett serves as the registered agent.
The city continues to seek a buyer for an adjacent property that once served as a gas station and convenience store.
wbluhm@newmedia-wi.com
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