Media Contact: Rachel Anderson | randerson@piper-communications.com
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (May 19, 2026) – A multi-year investment in East Tennessee’s manufacturing infrastructure is nearing completion as Knoxville-based Custom Foods of America (CFA) prepares to commission its new plant, finished goods freezer, and dock. This 200,000-square-foot, standalone facility represents a significant increase in CFA’s capacity and was supported by more than $25 million in incremental financing through a collaboration between Three Roots Capital and Truist.
The opening of this independent facility is a cornerstone of CFA’s long-term strategy to provide redundancy for its customers. First announced in 2023 with the support of Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and the Department of Economic & Community Development, the new plant will add over 230 jobs to the Knoxville area. The plant is expected to be completed in the late summer, with full operations commencing in the late fall.
“We view ourselves as a service partner rather than just a manufacturer; our mission is to provide the safe, consistent, and innovative products that allow our partners to scale with absolute confidence,” said Mike Britton, CEO of Custom Foods of America. “By commissioning this standalone facility, we are providing critical redundancy and capacity for top national restaurant chains, convenience stores, and food service venues, while proudly continuing our legacy of manufacturing right here in Knoxville.”
(From left to right: Chris Miller, CFO, Three Roots Capital, Graham Hunter, founder of CFA, and Grady Vanderhoofven, President and CEO of Three Roots Capital)
“Collaborating in this way to support the expansion of the world-class operation CFA has cultivated over its four decades in business, thereby amplifying the company’s ability to provide people nationwide with foods we all know and love, is an honor for us and a win-win for the community,” said Grady Vanderhoofven, President and CEO of Three Roots Capital.
“This investment reflects the kind of growth Truist is proud to support in Tennessee – helping a long-standing business create jobs and strengthen the economy,” said Harry Gross, East Tennessee Market President at Truist. “It’s a great example of what can happen when partners come together around a shared vision for growth.”
CFA is currently hiring to staff its new standalone plant, with a primary focus on recruiting local talent. The company maintains a culture of promoting from within, offering team members the opportunity to build long-term careers in a stable industry. Additionally, CFA provides approximately 500,000 pounds of food donations annually through Feed the Hungry and other local organizations. Supported by stakeholders like the Knoxville Chamber, CFA continues to pair industrial growth with a mission to serve and strengthen the local community.
About Three Roots Capital
Three Roots Capital is an innovative finance company that provides loans and equity investments to small businesses and real estate projects in Tennessee and Appalachia. 3Roots was established to address the chronic need for investment capital in central and southern Appalachia. 3Roots supports small businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate projects, and communities in economically challenged areas throughout the region. 3Roots is certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and as a Community Development Entity (CDE). As a CDE, 3Roots is eligible to receive federal New Markets Tax Credits, which can be allocated to high-impact projects to help them attract capital that might not otherwise be available to fuel commercial development in economically distressed areas. For more information, visit www.3rootscapital.org.
About Custom Foods of America
Founded in Knoxville in 1982, Custom Foods of America (CFA) is a family-owned, service-oriented manufacturer specializing in bold, innovative, and cravable kettle cooked food product solutions. As a trusted partner to top regional and national restaurant chains, convenience stores, and food service venues, CFA provides entirely customized and proprietary formulations tailored to each customer’s unique brand identity. CFA is defined by its operational agility across both development and production. By investing heavily in its culinary team, CFA provides rapid R&D and sample turnaround to help customers innovate faster. On the production side, CFA maintains the flexibility to adjust production schedules to ensure partners stay in stock and never miss a day of business. By delivering safe, consistent, and high-quality food, CFA provides the reliable foundation and scalability necessary for brands to grow with absolute confidence. For more information, visit customfoods.net.
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