Hope Baking Co. to expand, add 266 new jobs

Hope Baking Co. is investing more than $37 million to expand its food manufacturing facility in Hope. 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 Co.

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.

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

State economic officials lauded the expansion.

“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.”

The company is hiring multiple positions, including management positions, along with full staffing of all lines to handle product demand.

“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.”