CHILLICOTHE, OH (July 14, 2025) — A popular Chillicothe coffee shop is brewing up big plans for expansion, thanks to a recent economic development grant from Fluor-BWXT (FBP) and the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio (JEDISO).
Rost Coffee Company has been awarded $18,750 to support its continued growth, including the hiring of additional employees to meet increasing demand for catering and event space.
“We have begun to outgrow our current location with all of the requests we get from the community for catering and rental space,” said Rost Coffee owner Trent Fannin. “This grant will not only allow us to hire more staff, but we can continue to expand across the street to accommodate more events.”
The grant is part of FBP’s long-standing partnership with JEDISO, aimed at stimulating economic growth across Jackson, Pike, Ross, and Scioto counties. Since 2011, FBP has contributed over $5.5 million in grants, resulting in the creation and retention of thousands of jobs throughout the region.
“It is exciting to see small, local businesses grow and thrive in the community,” said FBP President and CEO Greg Wilkett. “We are proud to be part of economic growth, right here where we work and live.”
Rost Coffee has become a cornerstone of Chillicothe’s revitalized Downtown District. Established in 2016, the business quickly gained a loyal customer base and saw its popularity skyrocket after relocating to the Fort Collective. Today, it is considered a key anchor of the city’s downtown resurgence.
“Rost Coffee established a storefront in Chillicothe’s Historic Downtown District at a time when the district was struggling to attract merchants,” said Tammy Eallonardo, Director of Greater Chillicothe & Ross County Development. “They’ve since helped reshape the area into a thriving hub.”
For more information on the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio, visit www.choosesouthernohio.com, or call (740) 286-2838. Details about Fluor-BWXT can be found at www.fbportsmouth.com or by calling (740) 987-2432.
