PHILADELPHIA -- One hundred years ago, on Feb. 25, 1914, a baker and an egg salesman opened a bakery in Philadelphia and began selling small cakes. That bakery's now famous Tastykakes are still a sweet treat of choice for Philadelphians and a growing legion of fans around the country. To mark its centennial, Tastykake is celebrating with a yearlong "Birthday Moments" initiative in partnership with the USO and new, limited-edition Birthday Kake Cupcakes.
Joining forces with the USO, a private, nonprofit organization with a mission to lift the spirits of America's troops and military families, helps Tastykake to celebrate its centennial. The company has a long history of military support. During World War II, the bakery shipped snack cakes to employees stationed overseas, and the tradition of sending Tastykakes to America's troops continues.
"Our 'Birthday Moments' initiative supports the USO's ongoing 'Every Moment Counts' campaign, which calls on America to show its support for our military by helping to create real, everyday moments, like birthdays, missed by troops and their families due to their service to our country," said Paul Ridder, Tastykake president. "Throughout 2014, Tastykake will honor servicemen and women and their families with special birthday moments through USO locations and participation in national USO initiatives."
No 100th birthday celebration would be complete without a special cake, the company said, and Tastykake has created it and is sharing it with America. Tastykake's Birthday Kake Cupcakes combine confetti cake with chocolate-flavored icing and multi-colored sprinkles. The new cakes are available in 12-count multi-packs and hit store shelves on Feb. 25, the day the first Tastykake hit stores 100 years ago.
"Operating any business for 100 years is no piece of cake--even for a bakery," Ridder said. "We believe our success comes down to a simple recipe--delicious, fun snack cakes, a focus on quality and freshness, an outstanding team, and, of course, our fans. Tastykake would not be here without the 100 years of support we've received from our community."
Tastykake held a special birthday celebration in its hometown of Philadelphia. The city, as well as the state of Pennsylvania, declared Feb. 25, 2014 "Tastykake Day," and the bakery participated to "Kake over" Philadelphia by making 100 deliveries of Tastykakes to local charities and first responders.
Tastykake offers a complete line of snack cakes, pies, cookies, and donuts available in supermarkets and other retail outlets throughout the East, Southeast and Southwest. Its line includes Krimpets, Kandy Kakes and Juniors and new product such as Kandy Bar Kakes. Tastykake is a brand of Flowers Foods Inc., Thomasville, Ga., one of the largest baking companies in the United States.
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