BOONE COUNTY, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leaders from Bakery Express Midwest, a commercial bakery manufacturing company, to break ground on its new Boone County location, which includes a more than $20 million investment creating over 175 full-time jobs in the region.
Announced in June 2023 as a $10 million project that has since doubled in investment, the company is opening a 50,000-s.f. facility in Northern Kentucky that will serve Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee with fresh baked goods. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2024, with the bakery operational by April 2025.
“On behalf of the nearly 700 Bakery Express team members across the country, I could not be more excited about the opportunity today’s groundbreaking represents,” said Bakery Express Midwest President Charles L. Burman. “One of the things I have learned along the way is that it takes a team of partners committed to the success of a project to get to this stage. And that is what I have been fortunate enough to have, great partners. The team from Bakery Express Florida, the team from BE NKY, Team Kentucky, the Cushman Wakefield team and the Geis Construction team have been invaluable partners in getting this project underway. And, of course, the teams from Wawa whose entry into this market has made this entire project possible. We look forward to being a great addition to Boone County, as this area continues to grow and prosper.”
Founded in 1970 in Baltimore, Maryland, Bakery Express Mid Atlantic Inc. was the first of several bakery companies founded by Burman. Bakery Express of Central Florida, Bakery Express of Central Texas, Bakery Express of Southern California and now Bakery Express Midwest have all been formed to provide fresh bakery products to over 4,000 retail outlets across the United States. Bakery Express companies currently employ 620 people, and the company’s fresh daily product line consists of a wide variety of items, including donuts, muffins, cookies, brownies, croissants, bagels, pastries, cupcakes and other specialty items.
“Growth in Kentucky’s food and beverage industry has been a key part of the amazing economic momentum we’ve been experiencing,” said Gov. Beshear. “I’m thrilled to welcome Bakery Express Midwest to Northern Kentucky. This is a fantastic commitment to the commonwealth and an opportunity for job growth in the region.”
Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore spoke on the large scope of the food and beverage industry in Northern Kentucky: “Bakery Express’ more than $20 million investment adds to Northern Kentucky’s growing food and flavoring industry, which already boasts more than 30 food and flavor manufacturers and nationally recognized craft breweries and distilleries. Northern Kentucky’s one-day drive proximity to more than half the U.S. population will make it easy for the company to serve the tri-state and Tennessee.”
Lee Crume, CEO of BE NKY Growth Partnership, expressed his excitement for the project: “I’m thrilled Bakery Express is opening its first Midwest location in Boone County, creating nearly 200 new jobs for our region’s families. This new facility will serve four states, and I look forward to purchasing the company’s fresh-baked goods at a Wawa convenience store.”
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