May 10, 2015

As fast-food chain Wendy’s transitions to artisan buns, it’s considering selling its bakery operations in Ohio. The Wendy’s Co. purchased New Bakery Co. in Zanesville, Ohio in 1981, and the bakery has been producing buns and bread for more than 700 company-owned restaurants, as well as more than 2000 franchised restaurants.

During a conference call earlier this month, CEO Emil Brolick stated “We believe this divestiture will provide us with greater sourcing flexibility as our use of artisan bus has increased with our premium limited-time-only offers.”

The company is planning to sell its bakery operations this month. Doing so allows the hamburger chain to eliminate future expenditure with the bakery, as well as explore other sourcing options for its baked products. The company is in discussions with a potential buyer for the bakery, but nothing is final at this point. After the announcement Wendy’s was selling the bakery was made public, Wendy’s shares closed at $11.19, up 7.2%.