FOX Carolina 21Councilman says new bakery headed for empty Spartanburg facility

Councilman says new bakery headed for empty Spartanburg facility

A Spartanburg County councilman said Friday that a Chicago-based bakery will open its first out-of-state facility in Spartanburg.

Councilman David Britt said Highland Bakery Company plans to move into the empty Mrs. Smith's Bakeries facility on Hearon Circle.

Britt said the facility had been empty since Smiths closed its doors in 2008 due to tough economic times, laying off about 500 people. He said the County had been working with the Department of Commerce since then to get another bakery into the building because of the infrastructure that was already in place.

Though Highland is not expected to make their official announcement until next week, Britt said they were too excited to not share the good news.

Britt said they expect the company will add 200 new jobs with positions varying between production, baking and management available.

Neighboring business owners said they are also thrilled to see more drivers, and customers in their area.

Denise Elston, at Junk-n-Treasures, said she's seen how the 500 lost jobs from Mrs. Smith's affected the area.

"I get people in every day trying to sell something, wanting deals," Elston said, "they're there all the time, trying to sell, just a little something to get some food." She said she can't wait for the new job opportunities to be available.

The timeline for when Highland will open its Spartanburg doors and begin hiring is not known yet.

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