Freihofer's Bakery Outlets closes all NH locations

Apr. 8—Freihofer's Bakery Outlet has closed four stores across New Hampshire as part of the company's "difficult decision" to shutter 28 locations on the East Coast.

The locations also were used as part of a distribution network for parent company Bimbo Bakeries USA. The products include Arnold, Boboli, Entenmann's, Lender's Bagels, Sara Lee and Thomas.

The locations affected include Concord, Hooksett, Keene and Lebanon.

A sign on the door on Monday at the Hooksett location read, "Sorry, we are permanently closed! Thank you for your patronage and please find our great brands at your local retailer!"

The products will still be found on grocery store shelves as "processes have shifted and product will be redistributed to other locations," according to a news release.

"After careful analysis and consideration, we made the difficult decision to permanently close 28 of our outlet stores, throughout the East region," the news release said.

An independent contractor who pulled up to the Hooksett location on Monday afternoon, but did not want to be identified, said the operations will be moved to Wilmington, Mass.

Kevin Daigle, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Grocers Association, said it was likely tough to remain in business only selling limited products.

"It is probably tough in today's world finding workers," he said. 'It probably makes sense to consolidate."

The company remains committed to making sure extra product doesn't go to waste.

"Moving forward, we will focus on donating any limited extra product to local food bank partners," the news release said.

This is the last of its kind for similar bakery stores in the region. A JJ Nissen Bread Outlet used to be located at 51 Londonderry Turnpike, but the property has been abandoned for years.

Freihofer Baking Co. was founded in Philadelphia in 1884 and eventually sold to Bimbo, a Mexican company.

It is unknown how many workers have been impacted in the closing.

"We appreciate all of our associates who worked at these stores and are taking steps to help ease them through this transition," the release said.