Jack Links
Jack Link's hopes to have the restaurant and office space completed by the end of 2016.

MINNEAPOLIS - On Feb. 22 Jack Link’s announced it is expanding its wild side

The company announced plans to enlarge its footprint in Minneapolis. The 78,000 sq.-ft. space will include a Jack Link’s interactive retail center, a partnership bar and restaurant experience, a new product innovation center and office space for its expanding team.   

While the family owned company will maintain its headquarters in Minong, Wisc., the expansion in Minneapolis is a result of continued global growth in the meat snacks industry.

"Our plans for Minneapolis are what the Jack Link's culture is all about—hard work, quality, passion, high-energy and fun," said Troy Link, president and CEO. "We've experienced phenomenal growth over the last few years, and this new space will continue to fuel future growth.”

A company press release said the Jack Link's office and retail expansion, in the Mayo Clinic Square area of Minneapolis, is projected to help create 150 new jobs. The company plans to complete construction by the end of 2016.

"Jack Link's has been a part of the downtown community for eight years," said Steve Jandrich, Jack Link’s vice president of human resources. "It is exciting for us to expand our presence in the area and be part of the growing and dynamic changes the city is making."

The expansion fits the goal of economic developers’ plans to focus on smaller commercial spaces in the downtown area of Minneapolis.

"We are finally moving away from massive square footage restaurant spaces,” said city council member Jacob Frey. The future of retail and dining is smaller, more manageable spaces and I'm confident that the negotiated deal with Jack Link's will reflect these goals."