In a significant move that underscores its commitment to growth and diversification, Legacy Bakehouse a Wisconsin-based contract and private label manufacturer of baked snacks, has announced the acquisition of Mannon Specialty Foods, Inc., doing business as Classic Cookie . Based in Sevierville, Tennessee, Classic Cookie is a renowned baker of premium cookie products. This strategic acquisition not only broadens Legacy’s portfolio of baked goods but also extends its geographic footprint while adding a retail brand with national distribution capabilities. Notably, this marks the second bakery acquisition by Legacy Bakehouse within six months, following the purchase of Angelic Bakehouse’s production site and assets in July 2024.
A Legacy of Excellence Meets Premium Cookies
Founded in 1984, Classic Cookie has carved out a niche for itself as a producer of high-quality cookies sold through Walmart and other prominent national and regional retailers. The company’s products have also gained popularity among fundraising organizations across the United States. Operating from a state-of-the-art 50,000-square-foot SQF-certified commercial bakery in Sevierville, Tennessee, Classic Cookie recently expanded its facility to meet the demands of its rapidly growing customer base.
For over a century, Legacy Bakehouse has been synonymous with innovation and quality in the baking industry. Established in 1917, the company is one of the oldest commercial bakers and contract manufacturers in the greater Midwest. Headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Legacy specializes in developing and manufacturing a wide array of baked snacks and snack components, including pita chips, tortillas, rye chips, garlic chips, breadsticks, croutons, and more.
Known for their exceptional quality and reliability, Legacy’s products are trusted by leading brands, emerging companies, and private labels alike. In 2023, Legacy was acquired by Benford Capital Partners (BCP), setting the stage for accelerated growth and expansion.
Strategic Synergies and Expanded Offerings
The acquisition of Classic Cookie represents a pivotal moment for Legacy Bakehouse, enabling it to expand its baked snack offerings and enter new markets. According to Alain Vallet-Sandre, Chief Commercial Officer at Legacy Bakehouse, “Classic Cookie is a major step forward in expanding our baked snacks capabilities, capacity, markets, and customers.
By integrating our contract manufacturing and private label expertise with Classic Cookie’s robust sales channels, we are able to offer a more comprehensive range of products. This includes rounding out our salty and savory snacking platform with sweet options, making Legacy an even more attractive partner for a broader cross-section of customers.
The addition of Classic Cookie to Legacy’s portfolio brings several key advantages. First, it introduces an emerging retail brand with established national distribution, enhancing Legacy’s visibility in the consumer market. Second, it adds diverse cookie and brownie production capabilities to Legacy’s existing lineup of contract manufacturing and private label products. Finally, the Sevierville, Tennessee facility becomes the third production site in Legacy’s expanding network, further solidifying its position as a leader in the baking industry.
Complementary Channels and Growth Opportunities
Brian Behm, Principal at Benford Capital Partners, emphasized the strategic nature of the acquisition, stating, “Classic Cookie is a perfect fit for our evolving baking platform. Its primary channels—national retail, vending, contract manufacturing, private label, and fundraising—are highly complementary to Legacy’s existing operations.” This synergy positions Legacy to capitalize on new opportunities while strengthening its presence in existing markets.
The acquisition reflects Legacy’s ongoing efforts to build a diversified and resilient business model. By combining its longstanding expertise in salty and savory snacks with Classic Cookie’s sweet offerings, Legacy can now cater to a wider variety of consumer preferences. Moreover, the integration of Classic Cookie’s strong retail relationships enhances Legacy’s ability to serve both large-scale retailers and smaller, niche markets.
About Legacy Bakehouse
Founded in 1917, Legacy Bakehouse is one of the oldest commercial bakers and contract manufacturers in the greater Midwest. Headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Legacy operates two production facilities and serves leading brands, emerging companies, and private label customers. Its baked snacks and components include pita chips, tortillas, bagel chips, rye chips, breadsticks, croutons, and more.
About Benford Capital Partners
Established in 2004, Benford Capital is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on acquiring and building leading lower-middle-market companies in collaboration with founders and management teams. To date, Benford Capital has acquired 55 companies and currently owns 15 platform companies. Its areas of focus include industrial technology, consumer products and food, B2B e-commerce, and agricultural products and services. With approximately $350 million in total capital under management, Benford Capital is actively investing from its $200 million Fund II.
