And they’re off!

Officials from Billy’s Original Foods announced the company is creating at least 25 jobs and investing $511,000 in food production operations in Vicksburg.

Billy’s Original Foods is a manufacturer of artisan, ready-to-eat frozen Italian meals and deli products and a spin-off of Billy’s Italian Restaurant.

The wholesale Italian food company is locating operations in the 5,000-square-foot facility formerly occupied by Flooring Gallery on U.S. 61 North. The company expects to begin production in May.

Billy’s Original Foods CEO Billy Lieberman said he chose to reinvest in Vicksburg because he’s already had so much success here.

“I’ve lived here 22 years, and I had the restaurant for 15 years. This is home,” he said. “I feel comfortable here, and I know people here. I could have got to Washington D.C. where I’m from or Las Vegas where I spent a lot of time, but this is home.”

Lieberman said by opening up shop in Vicksburg he was also able to pull several valuable resources from the community to come work for him.

“I’m surrounded by really, really, really good people,” he said. “When you surround yourself with really good people, the likelihood of success is so much better. All the good people I know are here now.”

Billy’s Original Foods COO Mani Chanprasith said every major company was once a small business, and Billy’s Original Foods aims to one day be a major player in the food industry.

“We are excited to be creating our artisan food products in a newly renovated facility constructed to meet federal and global specifications,” Chanprasith said. “The trend for growth in the food business, a recession proof-industry, is limitless.”

Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance in support of the project for workforce training. Entergy Mississippi, through its Small Business Incentive Program Rider Schedule, is providing Billy’s Original Foods a 15 percent discount on the company’s monthly electric bill for the first 24 months.

“From Vicksburg, the entrepreneurial spirit of the Billy’s team will allow people around the country the opportunity to enjoy their quality foods,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough. “We salute the talented teams at Entergy and the Warren County Port Commission for working with MDA to locate Billy’s Original Foods in Vicksburg, creating up to 25 new career opportunities for the people of Warren County.”

Gov. Phil Bryant said he appreciates Billy’s Original Foods for selecting a Vicksburg location and bringing new life into an existing facility.

“The company’s investment and creation of 25 new jobs will benefit the local economy and community for years to come,” Bryant said. “I thank Billy’s for placing its confidence in our business climate and helping us demonstrate Mississippi is a great place for business. I wish the company many years of success in Vicksburg.”

Currently, the construction is under way for the company’s new facility, located on U.S. 61 North.

Billy’s Original Foods’ Original Chicken Salad, Original Lasagna and Original Meatballs will launch in select retail grocery stores in the Mississippi Delta region in summer 2016.

At this time, Billy’s Chicken Salad can be purchased at Bop’s Frozen Custard.

For more information about Billy’s Original Foods, visit billysoriginalfoods.com