"Georgia and Hall County had all the ingredients for success for King’s Hawaiian."

-Dan Raatjes, SVP/Chief Operations Officer, King's Hawaiian

A person in a white lab coat, orange hat and goggle stands at a table at kings hawaiian
“Gainesville-Hall County offers a competitive advantage for food and pharmaceutical businesses by connecting them to world-class talent, industry specific training at Lanier Technical College, a network of cold-chain logistics providers, and global markets through Georgia Port Authority’s new Inland Port Terminal, expected to open in 2026.”
Tim Evans, Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
“For 15 years, Georgia has been an essential part of our success. The support from Lanier Technical College, Georgia Quick Start, and the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in helping us train and develop talent to grow our business.”
Mark Taira, CEO of King’s Hawaiian

About Northeast Georgia

Region 2 Map

The 13 counties of Northeast Georgia (Region 2) are a hub for business and outdoor life. More than 276,400 Georgians are employed in key sectors such as manufacturing, construction, retail/wholesale trade, education, and tourism in the region. The region is home to companies such as Fieldale Farms, NE Georgia Health System, Haring Precision, and Diana Food.

Expected to open in 2026, the Blue Ridge Connector, in Hall County, will be an inland port that will provide direct rail access between the Port of Savannah and Northeast Georgia. Region 2 offers some of the state’s most iconic views: Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak; Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast; Dahlonega, site of America’s first major gold rush and heart of Georgia Wine Country; and Gibbs Gardens, one of the nation’s largest residential estate gardens.
 

Brandon Lounsbury Headshot
Start the Conversation
Brandon Lounsbury
Project Manager
Contact Us

Northeast Georgia

13 Counties Strong

Film icon
185 TV/FILM

productions since 2007

Containers icon
7.2 Billion

GDP contribution from Manufacturing

building icon
775,000

regional population

Area Counties
Banks
Dawson
Forsyth
Franklin
Habersham
Hall
Hart
Lumpkin
Rabun
Stephens
Towns
Union
White
Businesses Located in this Region
Nestle-Purina
Gant Medical
Fox Shocks
King's Hawaiian
Geveko Markings
Kubota Manufacturing
Solvay Speciality Polymers
Haring Precision
"We selected Gainesville due to its proximity to Atlanta, accessibility to skilled workers, and because operations can be easily scaled from the location.”
Ulrik Haagen-Olsen, Group CEO of Geveko Markings
“The Development Authority of Banks County is proud to have worked alongside RAI Industrial Fabricators to expand their growing business into our wonderful community.”
Hannah Mullins, Executive Director for the Development Authority of Banks County

King’s Hawaiian to Invest $54 Million in Hall County Expansion

Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that family-owned, Hawaii-inspired food company King’s Hawaiian® will invest approximately $54 million in expanding its Oakwood facility, creating more than 135 new jobs.

Read more

View Full Story

CJ Foodville to Invest $47 Million in Hall County

Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that CJ Foodville Corporation, a subsidiary of CJ Group, will invest more than $47 million in a new bakery and food processing facility in Gainesville, creating an estimated 285 jobs in Hall County.

Read more

View Full Story

Site Selector

Discover property openings in Northeast Georgia.

Start Looking

News

Read More
Ingredients for Success: King’s Hawaiian Expands in Georgia

In 2010, King’s Hawaiian began a multi-state search to find the right location for long-term growth. They ultimately selected Oakwood, Georgia for their East Coast operations due to its infrastructure, workforce and ecosystem of food processing companies . It wasn’t long before they doubled their capacity and then started construction on another similarly sized facility right next door. According to Food Business News, King’s Hawaiian became America’s top-selling brand in the fresh rolls/buns/croissant category in August 2014.