Updated 6-5-20 at 12:20 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – Duchess Bakery lovers, rejoice! The beloved bakery, along with the famous doughnut recipe, has been sold to Jason and Stephanie Neal and Roger Rich. The news comes exactly three weeks since owner Larry Bontrager announced his retirement, making the future of the iconic Cullman business uncertain.
Below is the official press release from the new owners:
Happy National Doughnut Day! Cullman, Alabama’s beloved Duchess Bakery is coming back! The bakery is under contract to be sold. Current bakery owner Larry Bontrager has accepted an offer and is passing on his family’s famous doughnut recipe and bakery to local entrepreneurs Jason and Stephanie Neal and Roger Rich. Bontrager has graciously agreed to stay on to help train new ownership, management and employees to ensure there is no beat missed and no step skipped!
He is thrilled to have found such great partners to pass on his family’s local legacy to,
saying, “I’m excited about the future of the bakery. I think we have found great partners
in the Neal and Rich families. They bring experience in the food and service industry as
well as being local and passionate about the community. Good things are to come for
Duchess Bakery.”
The bakery is expected to open business operations back up in mid-July. The Neals are
ready to get the town’s longtime favorite bakery back up and running.
Jason Neal said, “Duchess has been a mainstay in our city for generations. We are both honored and thrilled to be trusted to continue the legacy Larry and his family started in our
community.”
Rich is excited to continue incorporating a family culture in the business, adding, “Our family is excited to team up with the Neal family and serve the community with a great product that for 81 years has been a big part of your friend and family gatherings and brought a smile to the face of many. We all want to continue and grow the legacy that began here in 1939 and see it continue to bring a smile for generations to come.”
Stay up-to-date on all that’s happening in the weeks to come regarding the bakery and
future operations, employment opportunities and more by following its social media
channels listed below:
● Facebook: @duchessbakerycullman
● Instagram: @duchessbakerycullman
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