Café Spice Food Company Will Remain in Orange

NEW WINDSOR – Food Company Café Spice will remain at its Little Britain Road location following talks with the Orange County Industrial Developments Agency, the County of Orange and the Town of New Windsor.

As a growing business, Café Spice needed to expand its current 50,000-square-foot production facility and had scouted for locations in New Jersey and Dutchess County. It was considering a location in Beacon, but the support and guidance offered in Orange County persuaded the company to remain.

“We have discussed a compelling package deal with Café Spice that has encouraged it to stay,” said Laurie Villasuso, the Chief Operating Officer of the Orange County IDA. “We are delighted that Café Spice will remain in Orange County and that the new jobs and economic development from its expansion will continue to benefit the county.”

The family-owned, fresh prepared food company is investing $10.2 million to expand its facility by 40,000 square feet to meet the demands of a growing business. Once the expansion is completed, Café Spice will employ approximately 280 people.

Empire State Development has offered incentives valued at up to $5 million to keep Café Spice in New York state.

The company will seek tax incentives from the Orange County IDA, including a PILOT, or Payment in Lieu of Taxes. Orange County will help with training of Café Spice’s workforce and with adding a bus stop near the company’s production facility. The lack of public transportation had been a challenge for the company’s employees.

“I have worked diligently to ensure that Café Spice remains in Orange County and appreciate that its partners, Payal and Sameer Malhotra, decided to remain here,” said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. “This was a collaborative effort with the Orange County IDA, which aggressively pursued the company, and the Town of New Windsor. It is a win-win for everyone involved and I know that Café Spice will continue to flourish in Orange County.”

“We are very pleased that not only will Café Spice remain in New Windsor but that it will expand,” said New Windsor Supervisor George A. Green. “We have been working earnestly with the company to help them accomplish their goals.”

The Orange County Industrial Development Agency is the major funder of economic development in the county. It works to attract, retain and expand businesses within its jurisdiction, and create jobs, through financial incentives to approved private entities.

“Café Spice has been based in New Windsor for 10 years and employs many area residents, whom we consider our extended family,” said Café Spice President and Co-founder Sameer Malhotra. “We are very happy to remain and expand within the community. It’s the best decision for our existing workforce and we are grateful to the Orange County IDA, to County Executive Steve Neuhaus and to George Green from the Town of New Windsor who have all worked together to help make this expansion possible.”