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.