AR: Hope Baking Company Expanding in Arkansas with $37M Investment, to Create 266 New Jobs

Hope Baking Company is investing more than $37 million to expand its food manufacturing facility in Hope, Ark. The expansion is expected to create 266 new jobs over two years.

“Hope Baking Company is excited to be reinvigorating the operation of the bakery and equipment located in Hope, Arkansas and looks forward to steady expansion of its employment count,” said Dan Serra, owner of 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.

“Companies are expanding their footprints and creating jobs across the Natural State. I’m proud that Hope Baking Company is choosing to do the same in South Arkansas and as we cut taxes, slash red tape, and invest in our workforce, I’m confident today’s announcement will be just one of many to come,” said Governor Sanders.

The Hope Baking Company facility will produce a range of bakery items, including breadsticks, English muffins, fully baked breads, and seasonal brown and serve (B&S) rolls.

“Thank you, Hope Baking Company, for placing your confidence in the Natural State” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “South Arkansas has the workforce and resources that enable businesses to thrive, and we congratulate community leaders for creating an environment that attracts new industry and encourages reinvestment from existing companies.”

Founded in 2003, East Baking Company manufactures and distributes high-quality bread and bakery products. The company offers a range of bakery items in multiple forms, including individually wrapped, bulk packed, bagged, boxed, and chip boarded products.

“We’re excited to see a local business expand,” said Hope Mayor Don Still. “We’re glad Hope Baking Company believes in investing in our community. Our bakery has been a stable business in our community for many years. Again, we’re always excited for new businesses to come to Hope, but we’re just as excited to see an existing one grow.”

The company is hiring multiple positions, including management positions, along with full staffing of all lines to handle the product demand Hope Baking has brought to the area. For more information, visit indeed.com under Hope Baking or pick up an application from the Hope Baking office.

“Hope Baking Company’s expansion in Hope, Arkansas is a true entrepreneurial success story. At the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation, we work with existing business and industry to create an environment where we can foster existing business growth in our community,” said Anna Powell, president of the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation. “What is happening at Hope Baking Company is the result of collaboration with many state and local partners and intentional focus on the workforce pipeline in Southwest Arkansas. The baking industry in Hope has a long lifeline and I am thrilled to see Hope Baking Company, led by Dan Serra, grow Hempstead County and Southwest Arkansas through his energetic vision and passion for his employees.”