ADVANCE REALTY INVESTORS BREAKS GROUND ON FRESHPET’S NEW GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS IN BEDMINSTER, NJ
NASDAQ-Listed Freshpet and New Retail Amenities Will Anchor
Bedminster Village Square, Advance’s Reimagined Home Campus
BEDMINSTER, NJ (July 29, 2024) — Advance Realty Investors has broken ground on a new global headquarters in Bedminster, NJ for Freshpet, Inc. (Nasdaq: FRPT), the industry leader in fresh pet food.
The new 30,000 square-foot, eco-friendly facility will be joined by approximately 20,000 square feet of planned retail, dining, and amenity space to anchor “Bedminster Village Square,” Advance Realty Investors’ reimagined home campus. The new headquarters is scheduled for completion in early 2025.
The recent groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Bedminster Mayor Lawrence F. Jacobs, Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson, and principals from Advance Realty Investors and Freshpet, along with other municipal officials and dignitaries.
“The greatest act that a company can do is to build a new building and a new corporate headquarters,” said Peter Cocoziello Sr., Advance’s founder and CEO. “For one thing, it denotes their future — they believe that their future is bright, and here they are building a new building. It’s certainly very special to work with the company, and we’re pleased to work with you. We wish you all the success in this location.”
Freshpet is the pioneer in refrigerated, fresh pet food and has become the leading brand in the United States, feeding over 12 million dog and cat households, with manufacturing facilities in Bethlehem, PA, and Ennis, TX. After extensive deliberation, they chose Bedminster as the ideal location for their pet-friendly new home for approximately 100 team members and their pets. The synergy between Freshpet's core values of nourishing pets, people and the planet, and those of the Bedminster community, where open space and environmental stewardship are central to its ‘town and country’ ethos, was a driving force in this decision.
Freshpet CEO Billy Cyr said, “As our company has grown and the way we work has evolved, we’re moving towards creating an environment that encourages better team collaboration while providing closer proximity to our technical base in our PA Kitchens.”
Freshpet Co-founder Scott Morris added, “We’re excited to break ground on our new global headquarters in Bedminster. This location offers exceptional access to major roadways and a bucolic environment that aligns with our commitment to a balanced work-life experience. The additional retail and amenities planned by Advance will create a vibrant and supportive campus for our team. We appreciate the warm welcome from Mayor Larry Jacobs and other township and Somerset County officials, which reinforces our decision to make Bedminster our new home.”
Bedminster Mayor Jacobs said, “On behalf of Bedminster Township, we welcome Freshpet to its new home. While the office market is suffering across our country, it is not lifeless in Bedminster. Municipalities and developers need to think creatively and to work cooperatively in order to maintain a strong commercial base and to take advantage of the positive attributes of each property. We fully anticipate that this project led by Advance Realty and the Cocoziello family will spur further growth in our commercial corridors. Freshpet and its President Scott Morris have already established their presence within the Bedminster community with a commitment to excellence in architecture and engagement with our residents and our pets. Once again on behalf of Bedminster, we look forward to seeing this project completed and occupied by a pet-loving company.”
Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson, said “We are so pleased Freshpet chose Bedminster in Somerset County for its new world headquarters, delivering healthy and sustainable meals for all our beloved pets. Somerset County looks forward to being a Freshpet partner for decades to come by continuing to support and invest in our residents, workforce and infrastructure.”
Designed by 2023 AIA New Jersey “Architect of the Year” Nancy Dougherty, managing partner at Studio 1200 based in Short Hills, the Freshpet corporate headquarters will be crafted to harmonize with Bedminster’s inherent charm and character. The building will incorporate significant environmentally conscious features, including the use of healthy materials and renewable sources, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and innovative energy efficiency measures. These elements reflect a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable design.
The groundbreaking represents a significant milestone in today’s climate, where new build-to-suit office projects are rare and securing financing presents considerable challenges. By overcoming these obstacles and redeveloping its 15-acre corporate base into a modern mixed-use campus with extensive amenities, dining, and retail, Advance Realty Investors is helping to position Bedminster as a key node in an emerging geographic office triangle that includes Morristown and Summit. Located off Route 206 with convenient access to Routes 287, 78, and 24, and across from the new regional headquarters of AT&T, the campus is set to become a focal point for collaboration and innovation in the heart of the township.
Advance Realty Investors Chief Investment Officer Alex Cocoziello commented, “While the office market continues to navigate its recovery, this project reflects the importance of offering locations in areas with convenient access to modern amenities and services,” said “Through our redevelopment efforts, we are creating an environment that aligns with the needs of today’s workforce, helping to attract top talent and appeal to leading companies like Freshpet. We’re excited to welcome them to Bedminster and are confident they will make a positive impact on the community.”
In addition to the Freshpet headquarters and new retail component, Bedminster Village Square will feature significant additional landscaping and a system of pedestrian paths that will connect to the extensive hike-and-bike infrastructure in Bedminster's open space network. In connection with this project, Advance also plans to enhance the 87,000 square feet of existing office space on the campus with cutting-edge updates and design strategies, fostering modern innovation and collaboration in engaging workspaces.
A focus throughout this process has been the well-being of neighboring residents. Through meticulous planning and collaboration, Advance worked with Bedminster leadership to protect and enhance buffer zones and initiate best-in-class stormwater management efforts. These efforts will not only preserve the neighborhood’s character, but also make it more environmentally friendly.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Freshpet and the Township of Bedminster on our shared vision for supporting local economic growth and contributing to the broader community,” noted Cocoziello. “Our joint efforts aim to build a more dynamic and sustainable environment for everyone involved.”
Jeff Garibaldi of The Garibaldi Group represented Freshpet. ConnectOne Bank provided the construction financing. Gladstone Design, Inc. provided civil engineering and site design, and Iron Hill Construction Management is serving as General Contractor.
About Advance Realty Investors
Advance Realty Investors is headquartered in Bedminster, New Jersey and is a privately-owned real estate development, investment and management company. Founded in 1979 by Peter Cocoziello, Advance develops, invests, and manages a diversified portfolio across several real estate assets classes including residential, mixed-use, industrial, life science, self-storage and office properties. Advance primarily enhances value through development, repositioning and redevelopment of real estate, with a specific focus on Northern New Jersey submarkets. Due to its creativity, adaptability, and transformative projects, Advance has consistently been considered one of the Northeast’s top real estate development firms. Visit www.advancere.com for more information.
About Freshpet
Freshpet is the leading fresh food for dogs and cats and now feeds over 12 million households. Since its conception in 2006, Freshpet has been on a mission to transform the lives of dogs and cats through the power of fresh, nutritious food, while pushing the boundaries of sustainable practices. The recipes are developed by Veterinarian Nutritionists and made with natural whole ingredients, like fresh meats, vegetables, and fruits, which are cooked in small batches at lower temperatures to preserve their natural goodness. Sustainably made in Bethlehem, PA and their new Kitchens in Ennis TX, Freshpet foods and treats are kept refrigerated until they arrive at Freshpet fridges in your local market or are delivered direct to your door. For more information, please visit www.freshpet.com.