Life

Twinkie Maker Facing Bankruptcy

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Last Updated on June 12, 2017

When All in the Family was on the air some thirty years ago, a running joke was the importance of Edith Bunker remembering to place a Twinkie in Archie’s lunchbox.

Archie’s long-since gone, and now Twinkies aren’t feeling so well, either.

Hostess, the company that has produced the tasty treats since 1930, is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to unnamed sources said to be “familiar” with the situation. &nbsp Hostess also makes Wonder Brea, Ho Hos, Ding Dongs, and Sno Balls, among others.

It was a shortage — not of money, but ingredients — that led to the creation of the Twinkie to begin with. Jimmy Dewar, who had been hired as a delivery man for the plant, began pondering Strawberry Shortcake treats the company produced. &nbsp Those cakes were only produced during strawberry season. &nbsp He came up with a way to use the same kind of cake, but to fill it with creme filling instead of strawberries, and thus the Twinkie was born.

But times have been particularly rough on the company, those insiders say. &nbsp The company, which employs 19,000 people, faces debt and rising costs for sugar, flour and other ingredients. &nbsp If the filing does happen, it would be the second court restructuring for Hostess.

I’m always sorry to see a well-known brand, particularly one that has that many employees, facing this level of money problems. &nbsp The last thing we need is more layoffs and more unemployment. Or, for that matter, fewer treats in the sweets aisle.

the authorPatrick
Patrick is a Christian with more than 30 years experience in professional writing, producing and marketing. His professional background also includes social media, reporting for broadcast television and the web, directing, videography and photography. He enjoys getting to know people over coffee and spending time with his dog.