Our Story
Learn about the incredible story of a 15 year old immigrant and his brothers moving to Oregon and founding one of the country’s most successful bakeries.
1896
Engelbert Franz, at the age of 15, immigrated to the United States to work in his uncle’s bakery in Portland Oregon; United States Bakery.
1898
Engelbert’s brother, Joseph Franz, immigrated to the United States to work alongside his brother. Their brother Ignaz immigrates one year later to work alongside them.
1906
Engelbert, Joseph, and Ignaz purchased the Ann Arbor Bakery, NW 16th and Glisan where bread deliveries were made in horse-drawn wagons.
1907
The Franz brothers saved up and acquired their uncle’s bakery - United States Bakery at East 7th & Burnside, and the decision was made to keep and use the United States Bakery name.
1909
The brothers purchase the rights to the Butter Nut Bread name. Sales expand to Salem and The Dalles, Oregon.
1912
United States Bakery expands and the bakery at NE 11th and Flanders was built. We are still baking there today and it is the home of the iconic spinning bread loaf!
1913
Engelbert's son Joe is born in the living quarters above the bakery. Around this time trucks begin to replace horse drawn wagons.
1920s
The name transition from the United States Bakery to Franz Bakery begins. Bread also starts getting sold in paper wrappers.
1926
Franz develops the first hamburger bun for Yaw's Restaurant
1947
New buildings and machinery are added at the 11th and Flanders bakery, turning it into one of the most modern in the country.
1954
Engelbert Franz passes away, and his son Joe is named president.
1975
Bob Albers is hired as Vice President and General Manager.
1978
Franz Bakery's 11th and Flanders location undergoes another major remodel, expanding to cover five city blocks.
1986
Bob Albers is named President and CEO of United States Bakery.
1994
Franz purchases McMinnville, Oregon's Smith Cookie Company, and cookies are added to the Franz repertoire.
1997
Franz purchases Gai's Northwest Bakeries in Seattle, Washington, and Sourdough breads are added to the Franz lineup.
2006
Franz builds a new bakery in Springfield, OR
2006
Franz celebrates its 100th birthday by producing a Guinness World Record breaking Hot Dog Bun of 104 feet!
2010
Franz Bakery becomes certified by Oregon Tilth to bake USDA certified organic products.
2012
Franz launches a Gluten Free line.
2017
Acquired Unified Bakery in Los Angeles, California.
2017
Sourdough on the Go Truck comes to life serving Seattle Sourdough and Seattle International Breads!
2018
Meet Dean, he’s our longest tenured employee - he’s been with Franz Bakery for 60 years!
2018
Get Organic Baked Truck hits the markets in our Eugene, OR region serving delicious Franz Organic Breads!
2018
Acquired Alpicella Bakery in Boise, Idaho.
2019
Acquired the Dunford/Rocky Mountain Bakery in Salt Lake City, UT.
2019
Meet Leah, she’s one of our Franz Fanz! If you’d like to set up a tour, please click here!
2021
The Love’s brand has a long history in the Hawaiian Islands. In 2021, Love’s signed a licensing agreement with Franz Family Bakery. Franz produces the Love’s products at its mainland bakeries, primarily located on the West Coast. In partnership with Hawaii Foodservice Alliance the Love’s brand continues to be distributed statewide in Hawaii. Franz is honored to continue the tradition of the beloved Love’s brand. To learn more, visit lovesbakery.com and follow @lovesbakerybread on Instagram.
2024
Kim Nisbet is named CEO of United States Bakery.