Condado, medical distributor receive tax credits

Condado Tacos and a medical-products distributor received approval Monday for state tax incentives for projects that are expected to create a combined 177 jobs central Ohio.

Condado plans to add 27 jobs to its corporate offices in Columbus as part of an expansion by the buildyour-own-taco restaurant chain that will help it more than double in size by the end of 2020.

Meanwhile, Medline Industries, based in Northfield, Illinois, plans to build a warehouse, to be staffed by 150 workers, that will be used to distribute medical products.

“A growing demand for Medline’s products and solutions is driving growth in Ohio, and we look forward to our expansion into the Columbus market in order to continue supporting the needs of local healthcare customers,” spokeswoman Stacy Rubenstein said. “Our new 800,000-square-foot distribution center will serve Condado Tacos received state incentives Monday that will help pay for up to 27 jobs in its corporate offices in Columbus.

customers in Ohio, parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.”

Medline has not determined a location for its distribution operation in central Ohio.

The company distributes medical supplies and equipment. The tax credits have an estimated value of $390,000.

Condado, with headquarters at 250 S. High St., is

expanding and plans to begin hiring for positions there this fall, including management, accounting, information technology and others. The 27 jobs will have an annual payroll of $1.6 million.

“When we started Condado Tacos in the Short North in 2014, we hoped and dreamed the concept would take off,” said Joe Kahn, founder and

owner of Condado, in a statement. “We wanted to create a laid-back, hangout spot where people could enjoy great food, and as the company has grown, we’re thrilled to be able to expand that vision into reinvesting in our hometown.”

The company currently operates eight restaurants in Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis. Condado plans to have 20 restaurants by the end of 2020 and wants to expand into Michigan and Kentucky. From there, the company is looking to expand nationwide.

The tax credits for the chain’s new positions have an estimated value of $115,000.

The two projects were among four to be approved by the Ohio Tax Credit Authority.

In all, the state offered tax credits Monday for four projects that, together, are expected to create 1,153 jobs and retain 278 jobs statewide, and lead to investments totaling $109 million across the state.

Outside of central Ohio, retailer Bed, Bath & Beyond received incentives for its plan to build a distribution center in Monroe in southwest Ohio to accommodate growth.

The company plans to create 900 jobs with an annual payroll of $26.6 million.

The tax credits for that project have an estimated value of $3.7 million.