Sugardaddys Brownies Cited as Significant Impact upon Historic Columbus, Ohio District

Online, June 15, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Columbus developer Tom Fortin plans a street-level restaurant topped by two 1,800-square-foot residential lofts at 51-53 E. Gay St. This is the second recent project for Fortin on Gay Street. He recently attracted local luxury brownie-maker Sugardaddy's Sumptuous Sweeties to the former Modern Finance building, now being called the Cube, at High and Gay streets.

"Sugardaddy's downtown launch has created additional traffic, interest, and sales with other Gay Street merchants." said Mark Ballard, Sugardaddy's Co-Founder and CEO. This statement has been echoed by the merchant community including Jeff Davis, owner of Cafe Brioso, the well-known and respected local coffee shop; and Pearl Market's Manager Adam Schroeder, the Tuesday/Friday Outdoor, Downtown Summer Market.

Fortin plans to begin renovations on the 51-53 E. Gay St. building this summer, with completion expected by November. A "popular Downtown restaurant" that is looking to expand will occupy the first floor, Fortin said, declining to name the restaurant. The building is close to two popular fine-dining restaurants that cater to theatergoers and corporate clientele: Due Amici is a few doors down, while Mitchell's Steakhouse is just around the corner. Fortin said he already has lease agreements for the two upstairs luxury rental lofts. He said he might convert the units to condos in the future.

Fortin said Gay Street is attractive because it already has received at least $150 million in public and private investment in the past few years.

"There's probably been more public and private investment on Gay between High and 3rd streets in the past six years than in most blocks in all of Ohio," he said, mentioning the Residence Inn, the Renaissance hotel just across Third Street, Sugardaddy's at the corner of Gay and High, along with $8 million in city-funded street improvements.

"Sugardaddy's investment in Gay Street has not only ensured our sales success but has become the defining visual gateway for Gay Street at High Streets." said Mark Ballard. "We couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of and help build the community as we build our business."

AWARD-WINNING GOURMET BROWNIES

Sugardaddy's has been named "Best of the Best" Brownies and Blondies by Food Network and crowned winners of Throwdown with Bobby Flay in 2007.

In addition, Sugardaddy's has been honored by the national media including being named:

"Best Gourmet Brownies and Blondies" by Chocolatier, Desserts Magazine, ChocolateGrail.com and The Washington Post.

"Editor's pick" by American Lifestyle, Instyle, Reader's Digest, Food411.com, ChocolateGrail.com and TheNibble.com.

"Best Gift" by Instyle, NeimanMarcus.com, Saks.com, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Rachel Ray Show.

"Best Wedding Favor" and by The Bride & Bloom and Instyle Weddings.

ORDERING AND SENDING SUGARDADDY'S BROWNIES

Sugardaddy's launched in Fall 2005 as a direct-to-consumer business at www.Sugardaddys.com, and through its 800 number at "1.888.4 I want 1" (1.888.449.2681). Since that time, Sugardaddy's has continued to grow its online and phone channels as well as launch online partnerships with NeimanMarcus.com and Saks.com and expand its reach with retail stores in Columbus, Ohio.

For further information, please contact:

Mark Ballard
mark@Sugardaddys.com