Categories: Press Releases
PRESS RELEASE
March 11, 2026
Cheney Brothers expands Florence County operations
$42.5 million investment will create 85 new jobs - bringing total investment to $108.5 million and 365 jobs
Florence, SC — Cheney Brothers, a leading broadline food distributor, today announced it is expanding its Florence County operations with an additional $42.5 million investment that will create 85 new jobs.
Headquartered in Florida, Cheney Brothers processes and distributes a variety of food products across the United States, including meat and seafood, dairy, frozen food, and other dry groceries. The company also supplies food service equipment and offers kitchen and bar design services to its customers.
Cheney Brothers will expand its South Carolina distribution facility, located at 2491 Florence Harllee Blvd. in Florence, which first broke ground in 2023.
Operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the Cheney Brothers team should visit the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $200,000 Set-Aside grant to Florence County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.
QUOTES
“We have been greatly impressed by the business-friendly attitude of the state of South Carolina. We look forward to a long and very bright future, distributing product across the state.”
-Cheney Brothers CEO Byron Russell
“By adding 85 new jobs in Florence County, Cheney Brothers is deepening its investment in South Carolina and strengthening the local economy. This expansion will create new opportunities for hardworking South Carolinians and further reinforce our reputation as a place where businesses can succeed.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster
“With its investment of $42.5 million, Cheney Brothers’ expansion reflects the business-friendly environment here in the Palmetto State. Industrial growth in our key sectors supports South Carolina’s continued economic success.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
"When a company like Cheney Brothers doubles down on Florence, it’s a win for everyone. Cheney Brothers’ decision to grow here brings stable, high-quality career opportunities that will benefit Florence County residents for generations to come.”
-Florence County Council Chairman Jerry Yarborough
“We are thrilled to welcome Cheney Brothers’ largest-ever culinary test kitchen to our region. This facility represents a unique partnership between industry and artistry, giving our local chefs and food service partners a world-class space to test new menus and refine their craft. This investment signifies a bright, innovative future for Florence County’s economy."
-Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chairman Rocky Pearce
FIVE FAST FACTS
• Cheney Brothers is expanding its operations in Florence County.
• The company’s $42.5 million expansion will create 85 additional new jobs.
• Cheney Brothers is a broadline food distributor.
• The company is located at 2491 Florence Harllee Blvd. in Florence, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Cheney Brothers team should visit the company’s careers page.
Florence County Economic Development Partnership serves as the public-private entity that works to recruit new business and industry to Florence County, South Carolina, while also helping existing industries grow and expand.
About S.C. Commerce - Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation. As the state's lead economic development agency, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) works to recruit and support companies of all sizes in their quest to launch, expand and build a legacy. With proactive, strategic initiatives that help the agency create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, S.C. Commerce champions new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging and established industries alike. S.C. Commerce is the principal collaborator for SC NEXUS, a consortium of state leaders in government, utilities, higher education and other stakeholders exploring advanced energy. Recognized for its pro-business climate and policies that have attracted global brands and industry leaders, South Carolina is committed to maintaining the state’s long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy — one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle — allowing people to live and work where they love. For more information, visit sccommerce.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
C. Gregory “Gregg” Robinson
Chief Executive Officer
Florence County Economic Development Partnership
(843) 676-8796
grobinson@fcedp.com
Alex Clark
Deputy Director of Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 734-4467
aclark@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com
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