Tavarez Distributors announced recently it was provided support from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority‘s Lease Assistance Program and has expanded its footprint in Passaic.
The grocery business began in 2013 when founder Carlos Tavarez began delivering grocery items to local markets outside of his truck. Today, he runs the business with his son, Carlos Tavarez Jr., and wholesales and retails grocery items, including Spanish-related ones, with 11 employees, three trucks and a van.
Funding from the program will provide Tavarez Distributors the ability to move from a 7,000-square-foot space on Market Street to a 12,000-square-foot facility at 100 8th St. The new location includes a large refrigeration unit and more stock space.
“In just a few short years we’ve grown exponentially and broadened our customer base, while still maintaining the personal touches that our clients have come to expect and enjoy,” Tavarez Jr. said. “There are many logistical advantages to locating in Passaic, so we were thrilled to secure a larger facility within the city with support from the Small Business Lease Assistance Program.”
The program reimburses small business a certain portion of their annual lease payments in 13 designated corridors throughout the state. In addition to Passaic, small businesses in Atlantic City, Bridgeton, Camden, Jersey City, Millville, Mt. Holly, Paterson, Phillipsburg, Plainfield, Salem, Trenton, and Vineland, are also eligible.
“The Small Business Lease Assistance Program supports two important pillars of Governor Murphy’s vision for a stronger and fairer New Jersey economy — investing in people and creating vibrant communities,” NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan said. “The program helps to attract businesses that drive foot traffic in downtown neighborhoods, and frees up capital that can be used to hire more area residents, or engage local suppliers.”
