Legacy Bakehouse Expands Its Reach with Acquisition of Classic Cookie
In a significant move to bolster its presence in the baked snacks industry, Legacy Bakehouse (“Legacy”), a Wisconsin-based leader in contract and private label manufacturing, has announced the acquisition of Mannon Specialty Foods, Inc., operating under the name Classic Cookie. Headquartered in Sevierville, Tennessee, Classic Cookie is renowned for crafting premium cookie products that have captured the hearts of consumers nationwide. This strategic acquisition not only broadens Legacy’s baking portfolio but also enhances its geographic footprint and strengthens its position as a versatile partner in the snack food sector.
This marks the second bakery acquisition by Legacy Bakehouse within six months, following its purchase of Angelic Bakehouse’s production site and assets in July 2024. The addition of Classic Cookie underscores Legacy’s commitment to expanding its capabilities, diversifying its product offerings, and meeting the evolving needs of its customers. With this acquisition, Legacy solidifies its reputation as a dynamic player in the baking industry, capable of delivering high-quality products across multiple categories and channels.
A Legacy of Excellence Meets a Premium Brand
Founded in 1984, Classic Cookie has built a strong reputation for producing delicious, high-quality cookies that are sold through Walmart and other prominent national and regional retailers. Beyond traditional retail channels, the company’s products have become a staple for fundraising organizations across the United States. Their wide appeal stems from a combination of exceptional taste, consistent quality, and an ability to meet the demands of diverse customer bases.
Classic Cookie operates out of a state-of-the-art, 50,000-square-foot SQF-certified commercial bakery in Sevierville, Tennessee. Recently expanded to support continued growth, this facility serves as a testament to the brand’s dedication to innovation and scalability. By integrating this location into its network, Legacy Bakehouse now boasts three production facilities, further enhancing its capacity to serve clients efficiently and effectively.
For over a century, Legacy Bakehouse has been synonymous with excellence in the baking industry. Established in 1917, the company has consistently delivered a wide array of baked snacks and snack components, including pita chips, tortillas, rye chips, garlic chips, breadsticks, and more. Known for their unwavering commitment to quality and dependability, Legacy’s products are trusted by leading brands, emerging companies, and private labels alike. In 2023, Legacy was acquired by Benford Capital Partners (BCP), a private equity firm focused on supporting growth-oriented businesses. Under BCP’s ownership, Legacy has accelerated its expansion strategy, leveraging acquisitions to enhance its capabilities and market reach.
Strategic Synergies and Expanded Offerings
The acquisition of Classic Cookie represents a pivotal step forward for Legacy Bakehouse, enabling the company to expand its baked snacks capabilities, increase production capacity, and tap into new markets and customer segments. According to Alain Vallet-Sandre, Chief Commercial Officer at Legacy Bakehouse, “Classic Cookie is a major step, expanding our baked snacks capabilities, capacity, markets, and customers.”
One of the key advantages of this acquisition lies in the complementary nature of the two companies’ operations. Legacy’s expertise in contract manufacturing and private label production aligns seamlessly with Classic Cookie’s robust sales channels, which include national retail, vending, fundraising, and beyond. Moreover, the addition of sweet baked goods like cookies and brownies rounds out Legacy’s existing portfolio, which has traditionally focused on salty and savory snacks. This expanded offering positions Legacy as a one-stop solution for customers seeking both sweet and savory options, thereby increasing its attractiveness as a partner to a broader cross-section of clients.
Brian Behm, Principal at Benford Capital Partners, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Classic Cookie is a strategic acquisition in our evolving baking platform.” He highlighted how Classic Cookie’s primary channels—ranging from national retail to fundraising—are highly complementary to Legacy’s existing business lines. This synergy not only strengthens Legacy’s competitive edge but also creates opportunities for cross-selling and collaboration across different product categories.
Strengthening Production Capabilities and Geographic Reach
With the integration of Classic Cookie’s Sevierville facility, Legacy Bakehouse gains access to advanced cookie and brownie production capabilities, further diversifying its contract manufacturing and private label offerings. The facility’s recent expansion ensures that it is well-equipped to handle increased demand while maintaining the high standards of quality that both Legacy and Classic Cookie are known for.
Geographically, the acquisition allows Legacy to extend its reach into the southeastern United States, a region that presents significant growth potential. By establishing a physical presence in Tennessee, Legacy can better serve its existing customers in the area while attracting new ones. This enhanced geographic coverage reinforces Legacy’s status as a national leader in the baked snacks industry, capable of delivering fresh, high-quality products to clients across the country.
