Artisan Bread Shop Ramps Up Production for Kroger

As the coronavirus causes panic buying of food staples among consumers, Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has turned to a Bloomington-based artisan bread maker to help replenish its shelves.

Scholars Inn Bakehouse found itself in a position to increase its products for the supermarket chain after President Tracy Bruce says Kroger asked the bakery to boost production.

“And what was really cool, what they did is started looking for local solutions in their communities, not looking to Aunt Millie’s or Wonder Bread or something like that. They were looking for local opportunities,” said Bruce.

Bruce says demand from Kroger drove-up production at the Bloomington bakehouse by 400% over the past two weeks.

“Usually, we measured the number of loaves we’ve seen in the stores by the hundreds, 800-900, Now we measure them in the thousands. 3,500-4,000 will be produced this week for Kroger,” said Bruce.

Scholars Inn Bakehouse currently employs 25 people. Bruce says he and his partners are grateful to have a dedicated staff. As such, the partners are going without a paycheck to ensure his staff is taken care of.

“We understand the importance of working through this so that when it comes back, we’re fighting- ready, man. We’re gonna attack, attack, attack. So, does that mean that short term we can make some sacrifices? Absolutely. It’s critical,” Bruce said.

While Bloomington-area shoppers may be familiar with the freshly baked bread, the bakehouse products are also distributed throughout the region by Indianapolis-based Piazza Produce and Sysco Indianapolis.