Jacksonville-based Stellar opened its 6,500-square-foot Nutrition Center at its Mandarin headquarters April 16 that offers free beverages and food for employees.
Stellar said its grand-opening event featured partnerships with food vendors, including Kathy’s Table, a Jacksonville meal prep service that prepares and delivers gluten- and dairy-free meals; and Aramark, a Philadelphia-based food service company that will provide grab-and-go food options for breakfast, lunch and snacks.
“We firmly believe that a healthy and unique atmosphere for our employees is the key to the company’s success. It’s more than just a place to eat; it’s a space we have strategically created to give our employees an environment catered to their overall well-being,” said Stellar Chief Human Resources Officer Stacey King in a news release.
Stellar said it has 277 employees in Jacksonville.
The Nutrition Center, at 2900 Hartley Road, will include offerings from fresh smoothies to hot meals.
Stellar said all of the food on campus – food trucks, grab-and-go meals, drinks, Kathy’s Table – is free for employees who will check out via a smartphone app at the kiosks to manage inventory and usage.
Stellar said previously the center will serve as a social hub for coworkers across different business units, providing a casual setting for department gatherings and interactions.
Stellar said the Nutrition Center features include:
• A beverage station with fresh juices, nitro cold brew coffee, and a Bevi smart water dispenser.
• Twice-weekly food trucks Mondays and Wednesdays with alternate cuisines, such as Mexican, Asian, American and others.
• Grab-and-go Aramark meals will be available every day in the marketplace.
• Kathy’s Table meals are available for employees to order ahead for the week.
• Collaboration tables designed to provide employees with plug-and-play experiences and alternative workspaces
Stellar said its Nutrition Center is one of the approaches the company is taking to promote employee welfare “and recognize that a thriving workplace is built upon a healthy and productive workforce.”
The city issued permits Jan. 26 for the $1.28 million renovation of office space on the ground floor of Building 1 into the Nutrition Center.
Plans show an open area and lounge, a grab-and-go counter, beverage counter and break counter.
Stellar announced March 4 it will make a substantial investment in revitalizing its Jacksonville campus but did not release the amount of the investment.
The headquarters renovation includes improvements to office work environments and the on-campus nutrition and fitness and wellness centers.
Stellar managed the construction. Kasper architects + associates is the architect.
“Our focus is on employee engagement and welfare throughout our campus improvement efforts,” CEO Brian Kappele said in a news release.
Stellar, established 39 years ago, is a design, engineering, construction, refrigeration and mechanical services firm.
A fitness and wellness center to be completed by October and facility upgrades to provide employees with a modernized workspace to enhance productivity, minimize distractions and provide individual private offices. Additional office renovations are scheduled to begin in April.
Property records show Stellar occupies four buildings totaling about 80,600 square feet on almost 4 acres at the campus, which is at northwest San Jose Boulevard and Interstate 295.
They were built from 1987 through 1991.
The city separately issued a permit for an almost $1.7 million renovation of 8,322 square feet of office space for Stellar on the second floor on the east side of Building 2.
Stellar has more than 750 employees in 50 locations serving commercial, industrial and public sector markets across the United States and globally.
The company creates food processing plants, refrigerated warehouses, distribution centers, commercial buildings and military facilities.
Stellar says it the company was established in 1985 as a 12-person company specializing in refrigeration contracting, maintenance, service and parts supply and then branched out to become a diversified contracting firm.