Sara Lee Bakery

The first bakery in Valdese opened in August of 1915 with two employees: Mr. John P. Rostan and Mr. Fillippe Ghigo. The original building had no mechanical equipment, no electricity, and no established customers.

Today, the plant has three bread production lines, and two roll lines. As of 1999, the bread lines had a total production capacity of over 750,000 pounds per day and up to 165 24oz. loaves per minute. In one day, the roll lines can produce over two million hamburger or hot dog buns. The plant now employees more than 700 people, 350 of which are located in Valdese.

Come to Valdese and visit the retail shop where you will find some great bargains and smell the aroma of fresh baked bread.

Please contact our Tourism Director, Barbara Hefner, anytime with questions about any facet of visiting Valdese. Phone 828.879.2126 or e-mail at bhefner@ci.valdese.nc.us.