The Origins and Operational Growth of More Than A Bakery
Family Legacy and Innovation in Baking: The Story of More Than A Bakery
Versailles, KY — Time, as they say, is a curious beast. While days can stretch endlessly, years can slip through our fingers like sand. This is especially true in the world of family-owned businesses, where each generation has the chance to add their own unique chapter to an existing legacy. For many, the culmination of effort, tradition, and innovation paves the way for future generations to thrive.
When we turn our attention to the Quigg family of Richmond Baking, we see a prime example of this generational evolution. James Quigg Jr. reflects on significant milestones in his career, highlighted by the transformation he initiated in automating the flour system for the family business. Today, that legacy continues through his son, Bill Quigg, who serves as the president of Richmond Baking and its innovative sister company, More Than A Bakery located in Versailles, Kentucky.
The inception of More Than A Bakery was driven by a compelling vision: to create a baking culture that transcends traditional commercial practices. Bill and his wife, Felicia, sought to instill a sense of camaraderie that blends the hard skills of manufacturing with the familial bonds that can make a workplace feel more like home. “One of our pivotal moments was creating More Than A Bakery,” Bill shared. “There was a lot of work we did from a design standpoint, and Felicia created a culture that connected the people and the company deeply.”
The Birth of a New Baking Culture
While Richmond Baking remains a staple in the industry, More Than A Bakery has carved out its niche by specializing in cookies and crackers for both contract manufacturing and its own MJM brand. This shift represents not just a business model change but a cultural one, empowering what they call “Family Members”—a term that signifies a workforce united in purpose and spirit. This commitment to family values, which have been passed down through four generations, is evident in their operations and relationships.
Since launching in a sprawling 225,000-square-foot facility, the More Than A Bakery team has adopted a mindset of curiosity and innovation. “From our layout to our ‘all for one and one for all’ mentality, we’ve spent the last seven years redefining what modern commercial baking can look like,” Bill explained.
Felicia, serving as the company’s Vice President of Family Pride, highlighted the challenges they’ve faced. “We’ve encountered a multitude of obstacles over these past seven years. Starting up in the baking industry is no easy feat, and although our journey hasn’t been linear, we’ve shown resilience and are still standing strong today.”
A Focus on Safety and Quality
Since its inception in 2017, More Than A Bakery has prioritized food safety, achieving SQF Level III certification. Navigating through the facility requires strict adherence to hygiene protocols, including switching into designated clean shoes and adhering to thorough sanitation practices. In this bakery, a transition from the “dirty” to the “clean” side isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality and safety.
The operational layout is meticulously designed to prevent cross-contamination between pre-bake and post-bake zones, creating a streamlined, efficient workflow. Hand-washing stations and uniform changes are mandatory, ensuring that all aspects of food safety are upheld to the highest standards. Felicia noted, “These high standards have not only ensured a safe environment, but they’ve also opened the door to new business opportunities.”
The Future Looks Bright
With an eye towards continuous improvement, More Than A Bakery doesn’t just rest on its laurels. They are committed to refining their processes and enhancing productivity. Ian Lady, the assistant VP of operations, noted that the cleanliness of their facility garners considerable attention from potential clients. “When people see how we operate, they’re interested in having their products made here,” he said.
The company has placed a strong emphasis on systematizing their operations over the past seven years. As Felicia explained, “We’ve been intentional about establishing processes and holding one another accountable. If something goes wrong, we have a framework to analyze what happened and why. That level of accountability and understanding is crucial as we continue to grow.”
In essence, the Quigg family legacy is not just about baking; it’s a multifaceted story of innovation, family values, and a steadfast commitment to excellence that will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come. As More Than A Bakery continues to thrive in the commercial baking landscape, it promises to be a beacon for those who believe in the power of tradition fused with modernity.
Want to read more inspiring business transformations? Stay tuned to our blog for more stories that showcase how family businesses are redefining their narratives in ever-changing industries.
