HOPE – Hope Baking Company, Inc. is apparently closing its Hope production facility by this end of this week. In a notice apparently sent by the company to employees dated July 18th:
Dear Team Members,
It is with sincere regret that we must inform you that we have made the difficult decision to permanently cease operations at Hope Baking Company on or about July 25, 2026, after a short wind down period taking place next week. As a result, your employment with the Company will permanently end by July 25, 2026.
This decision was not made lightly. Over the past several months, we have exhausted every reasonable opportunity to continue operations, including pursuing financing and exploring other business alternatives that would have allowed the facility to remain open. Despite those extensive efforts, we were ultimately unable to secure the financing and resources necessary to continue operating this facility.
We recognize that this news is deeply disappointing and that it creates uncertainty for you and your family.
On behalf of the Company’s leadership, thank you for your hard work, professionalism, and the many contributions you made during your employment with Hope Baking Company.
Please return all Company-owned property, including keys, identification badges, uniforms, tools, electronic devices, documents, and any other Company equipment, to the bakery within two (2) business days following your separation date. If you need to make alternate arrangements for returning Company property, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible.
You will receive your final wages, along with payment for any accrued but unused paid time off payable under Company policy, in accordance with applicable law. You may also be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits through your state’s unemployment insurance program. Additional information regarding your final pay, benefits, and other separation-related matters will be provided separately.
Although this chapter is coming to an end, the work you performed, the relationships you built, and the pride you took in your jobs will always remain an important part of the legacy of Hope Baking Company. Thank you for standing with us through this journey and for giving your best each day. We wish you and your families the very best in your future endeavors and sincerely thank you for allowing us the privilege of working alongside you.
Sincerely,
Hope Baking Company
Hope Baking Company is a division of East Baking Company, which acquired Southern Bakeries in March 2023. Since the acquisition, the company has expanded the facility, adding a new production line. In early 2024, th company announced a $37 million expansion of its Hope manufacturing facility in that which was to create 266 new jobs over the next two years.
Hope Baking Company produced a range of bakery items, including bread, breadsticks and English muffins.
This is a developing story, and additional information will be posted….Image taken by Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce