Freihofer's Bakery Outlets Close in Upstate NY Towns

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Freihofer's Bakery Outlets have permanently shut down in several upstate towns, including Verona, Schenectady, and Nelliston. In Nelliston, just west of Canajoharie, (formerly home to a Beech-Nut Baby Food plant) the Chamber of Commerce said they were never informed of the closing.

Freihofer's current owner, Bimbo Bakeries USA, issued a statement saying they had decided to close several locations and redistribute the products to other locations. The statement also says they are assisting employees in the transition.

Anyone who grew up upstate remembers Freihofer's baked goods, especially the chocolate chip cookies, and probably, the Freddy Freihofer Show. The old family-owned Charles Freihofer Baking Co. was eventually sold, owners included General Foods and Bimbo Bakeries.

According to company records, it was Charles F. Freihofer, the son of a German immigrant, who first started the family bakery back in Philadelphia around 1884, although other accounts say Charles and his brother William began the business across the Delaware River in Camden, N.J., in 1899. Whatever the case, Charles’ three sons — Charles C., Edwin and Frank — all worked with their father as the business grew.

The original Freihofer's company was involved with the community and sponsored events and donations.