Sen. Duff, Lt. Gov. Wyman Tour Ola Foods, Wall St. Theater

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and state Sen. Bob Duff, both Democrats, visited granola-maker Ola! Foods and the Wall Street Theater on Friday afternoon.

Here's a news release from Duff's office describing the visit:

On Friday State Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) welcomed Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman to Norwalk for a tour of two locations—a small business and a historic theater—which  have recently expanded, put new people to work, and made improvements with the help of state economic support.

The leaders first visited Ola! Foods, a small business the state has helped to expand its facilities and add new workers.

They then continued to the former Globe Theater, now known as the Wall Street Theater, a century-old cultural landmark which the state is helping to restore as part of an economic revival in downtown Norwalk.

“I am glad to have the Lieutenant Governor back in Norwalk again today to see first-hand how the state’s efforts are benefiting our city. These two sites represent key investments by the state, in a growing small business and its new employees, as well as the rejuvenation of a cultural landmark that will serve as a catalyst for further redevelopment in downtown Norwalk,” said Sen. Duff.

“Investing in Connecticut’s cities and towns is key to economic revitalization and building thriving communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman. “These projects highlight the state’s commitment to making Connecticut a stronger, better place to work and live. I applaud Senator Duff and Norwalk’s leadership for their efforts to bring jobs to the city, invest in its rich cultural history, and improve the lives of residents.” 

“Both of these projects show government at its best, partnering with local businesses and organizations to plant seeds for economic success. An expanded small business and a rebuilt attraction downtown are great things for Norwalk,” said Rep. Chris Perone (D-Norwalk).

“These investments show that the state is committed to our city’s small businesses, and to getting our economy going again. Companies like Ola! Foods and their employees are the engine of our economy, and a rebuilt Wall Street Theater is only the first step in a rejuvenated downtown,” said Rep. Bruce Morris (D-Norwalk).

Ola! Foods – a small natural foods company

The leaders first stopped at Ola! Foods, a small business that produces a variety of natural granola products at its facility on Woodward Avenue and sells them in over 3,000 stores across the country.

The company received a $100,000 matching grant from the state through the Small Business Express Program, and invested a further $383,661 of its own funds to lease additional space at its existing location, build it out to their specification, and expand the company’s sales and marketing efforts.

The funds also allowed the company to purchase new machinery and equipment and secure hookup of additional utility services. Ola! Foods plans to create four new full-time jobs and retain a further six positions with the help of the state aid.

“With the help of the DECD funding, Ola! Foods was able to gain additional leased space for our facility and warehouse, enabling us to begin the expansion of our sales and distribution across the country. We added a new oven and packing equipment to increase our efficiencies,” said Dina Houser, President & Founder of Ola! Foods, LLC.

“In addition, through robust marketing efforts and product sampling of our 100% natural, gluten-free and non-GMO granola, we are able to induce trial of our product to increase sales, and the funds have also aided in these efforts."  

The Wall Street Theater – a historic cultural landmark

Throughout its long history, Norwalk’s former Globe Theater has hosted vaudeville and burlesque shows, movies and rock concerts. Yet the theater has now been closed for a decade, and its surrounding neighborhood has seen years of economic decline. A major effort to redevelop and restore the facility, now known as The Wall Street Theater, is well underway.

Plans call for restoration of the theater into a general-use/multipurpose venue to accommodate live entertainment, conferences, assemblies and public performances. The project is envisioned as part of a larger development plan for the Wall Street area of Norwalk, with significant benefits for low and moderate-income residents of the neighborhood and the city as a whole.

In support of this effort, the state has provided a $1.5 million grant toward a total estimated project cost of $7.8 million.

“We are very excited about what this theater will mean for the community and for other businesses in downtown Norwalk. There are a lot of business owners working really hard in this area, and it is our hope that the completed Wall Street Theater will help drive people to come and see what’s going on downtown,” said Frank Farricker, President of the Wall Street Theater Company.