Dynamic Growth of Lone Star Bakery in China Grove
In the friendly town of China Grove, Lone Star Bakery is experiencing a remarkable journey of growth and innovation that has captivated the area. Under the leadership of a third-generation CEO, the bakery has transformed from modest beginnings into a powerhouse that produces over $150 million in annual sales.
A Look Back Through Time
Step inside the factory of Lone Star Bakery Plant No. 2, and you’ll be greeted by a charming sight: a picture frame filled with handwritten sales slips from 1971. These quaint records showcase the bakery’s humble beginnings, with $19,177 in sales during January, climbing to an all-time high of $29,514 in December. A handwritten total at the bottom reads, “Total for yr. $289,998.67.”
“That handwriting is my grandpa’s, Mac Morris Sr.,” reflects Tracy Fletcher, the current CEO. She shares, “He sold fresh bread to restaurants downtown, getting up early every day to help make and deliver the bread. My dad started working at his father’s bakery part-time when he was just 14 years old. Even now in his 70s, he still comes to the office.”
Significant Expansion and Automation
Lone Star Bakery has seen incredible growth over the decades, especially during the pivotal year of 2019. This was when the company financed a significant expansion of Plant 1 and began investing in automated manufacturing tools. This leap was crucial for increasing the bakery’s output, allowing it to meet the demands of their growing customer base.
“That was the biggest financing we’d ever done,” notes Fletcher. She expresses gratitude towards their long-time partner, JPMorgan Chase, for believing in their vision. “They’ve been by our side through highs and lows. This decision to expand and automate was a key moment for Lone Star.”
Mark Outlaw from JPMorgan Chase remarked on their collaboration, saying, “Working with two generations of ownership has been tremendously gratifying. We’ve faced challenges together, and helping realize their dreams has brought great benefit to both the company and the community.”
A Rich Legacy
Lone Star Bakery opened its doors in downtown San Antonio back in 1889, started by a German immigrant. It was Mac Morris Sr. who took over in 1956, gradually shifting the focus from retail baking to supplying local restaurants. The winds of change truly picked up when Mac Jr. took the reins. “My dad did a little bit of everything back then, from sales calls to making deliveries,” Fletcher reminisces. “I even went on a delivery route with him to Oklahoma!”
In the 1980s, the construction of Plant 1 marked a turning point for Lone Star Bakery. With impressive production capacity, they found themselves needing to quickly expand their customer base to match their newfound capabilities. As competition intensified, they realized they had to carve out a niche by specializing in frozen baked goods that could maintain their fresh taste during nationwide shipping.
Passing the Torch
By the early 1980s, Lone Star secured significant national accounts, with Shoney’s purchasing their blueberry muffins and KFC buying biscuits in large quantities. Today, they churn out more than two million biscuits each day!
Tracy Fletcher officially took over as CEO in 2020. She had been slowly transitioning into the role throughout her career, starting on the factory floor during high school. “I learned all about the business, from packing hot biscuits to managing quality control programs,” she shares. “By the time my dad announced I would be president, it felt like a natural transition.”
Her father Mac Jr. proudly states, “I have watched my daughter work with our team over the years, and she has been doing the job necessary to run the business as a leader long before she took on the title.” This reflects the bakery’s commitment to family values and teamwork.
A Bright Future Ahead
The story of Lone Star Bakery is not just one of baked goods; it’s a narrative of family, community, and delightful pastries that have stood the test of time. With a commitment to innovation and quality, the bakery is poised for even more growth in the future. In the charming heart of China Grove, Lone Star Bakery continues to be a sweet success story, and the smell of fresh-baked treats is sure to linger for generations to come.
