WHAT’S HAPPENING
AT CENTRAL STATE?
Renovating the old, preserving the good
F or ten long years, the once-bustling Central State Hospital Campus was left alone and neglected, longing for
a bit of attention. Overdue for repairs and maintenance, the Campus just sat, waiting for someone to notice the
potential of its city-like layout, palatial land and formidable size.
In 2015, the Central State Hospital Land Redevelopment Authority (CSHLRA) did just that, singling out the
123,000 SF Bobby Parham Kitchen as the prize pig in the campus’ bounty of real estate. To accomplish the feat of
redeveloping this aging piece of history, the CSHLRA had to seek out help. The group needed to find a company
looking to grow, a partner with a vision for what these grounds could become. That’s how FoodService Partners
(FSP) came into the picture- a food production company with over 20 years’ experience in managing and operating
large foodservice production facilities across the United States, focusing on sourcing as much local and sustainable
product as possible.
From this union came the concept for the Georgia International Food Center. Planned to be a hub of food product
development, FSP will revitalize the space, upgrading the facility while preserving the historical attributes,
adding 15,000 SF in food safe refrigerated dock capacity and bringing in clientele from FSP’s other US facilities
who want the connections and access of the Georgia food network. It is estimated that the maximum capacity
after renovation for FSPGA production will be over 450,000 pounds of food products per day. The new upgraded
Parham Kitchen will benefit hospitals, schools, universities, grocery stores, convenience stores, long term care
homes, assisted living facilities, restaurants, food entrepreneurs who need co-packaging and more.
As FSP develops the Parham kitchen, special attention must be taken to address the needs this expansive project
will require. Under the FSP head will be four main arms of production:
Grownstrong Farmhouse- logistics, bridging the gap between farms and consumers and reducing waste.
Farmstrong Foodhouse- processing & packaging for fresh Georgia agricultural products, supported by growers,
farmers and producers.
Farmstrong ChopHouse- processing & packaging butchered meats from Georgia farms.
Hustle & Grinders- the public cafeteria & commissary, specializing in Georgia Grown
and Flavor of GA products. Available to the Public to use for catering and/or events.
So what does this mean for Milledgeville and the state of Georgia?
This is a chance for Georgia farmers and growers to increase profitability and
grow their businesses. This means a resurgence of jobs for our local workforce.
This is a place of learning and development for schools and higher education.
This is a way to give back to our community- not just by creating delicious,
nutritious food. FSP is here to feed our bellies, our minds, and our community.
FSP is here to stay.
From left: Juanita Munoz, Project Manager, Cold Storage Construction; Angelo Bizzarro CEO, Food Service Partners
200th l 95