CJC Development Announces Zelli Pasta as First Commercial Tenant at Township Redevelopment Near Gulley Park
Springdale-based pasta maker to open sandwich shop and bodega as former church property transforms into mixed-use neighborhood destination
Matt Poe
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — CJC Development has announced Zelli Pasta as the first commercial tenant at its Township redevelopment, bringing a locally owned sandwich shop and bodega to the former Township Baptist Church property just south of Gulley Park. The announcement marks a significant step in the transformation of the 1.17-acre property into a mixed-use destination featuring neighborhood-oriented businesses, office space and new residential opportunities.
Zelli Pasta will occupy approximately 1,500 square feet on the ground floor of the former church building, with a storefront facing Gulley Park. The new concept will build on the company's growing presence in Northwest Arkansas, offering a neighborhood destination for sandwiches and specialty provisions.
“Our vision for Township has been to create something that feels like a natural part of this neighborhood,” said Cameron Clark, founder of CJC Development. “We wanted to bring new life to a property that's been part of Fayetteville for years while creating opportunities for locally owned businesses to thrive. Zelli is exactly the kind of business we hoped to attract. They've built something special in Northwest Arkansas, and we think their concept will be a great fit for the Gulley Park community.”
Founded in 2022 by husband-and-wife team Mitchell Owen and Angelina Bowen, Zelli Pasta began as a small-batch pasta business in downtown Springdale. What started with the couple making pasta at home during the pandemic has grown into a specialty food brand with a retail market, deli and expanding distribution across the country.
Known for its bronze-cut, slow-dried pasta made with organic durum semolina flour, Zelli has developed a following for its commitment to traditional pasta-making techniques and quality ingredients. Its products are now available through retailers including Whole Foods, Walmart, Sam's Club, Harps and Central Market.
The Township location will expand Zelli's food and retail offerings into Fayetteville, bringing a sandwich shop and bodega to a neighborhood already known for its outdoor recreation, established residential community and proximity to Gulley Park.
“We are very excited to bring our pasta shop and deli to Gulley Park. We live in Fayetteville, not that far from Gulley Park, and we have always talked about how cool it would be to be a part of this project,” said Angelina Bowen, owner of Zelli Pasta. “We are looking forward to expanding our pasta shop by creating a space not just for sandwiches, pasta, and our Italian market, but also a place where people can simply hang out and enjoy themselves. We want to create something that adds to what makes Gulley Park so special. Could there be homemade ice cream? Maybe!”
The larger Township development will repurpose the existing two-story church building into approximately 7,600 square feet of commercial space, with 3,800 square feet on each floor. In addition to Zelli's storefront, the ground floor will include individual office suites, while the second floor will remain available for commercial lease.
The project will also introduce eight attached townhomes, all expected to be offered for sale in the first quarter of 2027.
CJC Development has partnered with Fayetteville-based STOKE Architecture, with architect Matt Poe leading the design. The project emphasizes adaptive reuse, retaining the former church building while reimagining its role in the surrounding neighborhood. Hat Rack Real Estate is serving as the leasing agent for the development’s available commercial and office spaces.
The Township development is located at 2060 N. Township St., immediately south of Gulley Park. Construction is expected to be completed in June 2027. Additional details about Zelli's opening date will be announced as plans progress.
ABOUT CJC DEVELOPMENT
CJC Development is a Fayetteville-based real estate development firm focused on adaptive reuse and neighborhood-oriented commercial projects throughout Northwest Arkansas. Founded by Cameron Clark, the company emphasizes long-term investment, walkable design and opportunities for local and regional businesses. CJC Development works to revitalize established corridors by reimagining existing properties in ways that strengthen community connection and economic sustainability.
ABOUT ZELLI PASTA
Founded in 2022 by Mitchell Owen and Angelina Bowen, Zelli Pasta is a family-owned pasta producer and specialty food retailer based in Springdale, Arkansas. The company produces small-batch, bronze-cut pasta using organic durum semolina flour and traditional slow-drying methods. Its growing business includes pasta production, a specialty Italian market, deli offerings and retail distribution.
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