Hearthside Food Solutions
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food manufacturing |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Rich Scalise |
| Headquarters | Downers Grove, Illinois , United States |
Key people | Darlene Nicosia (CEO) |
| Products | Contract production of bars, baked items, fresh and frozen meals, food packaging services |
| Owner | Charlesbank Capital Partners and Partners Group |
Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC operates as a U.S.-based food manufacturer specializing in contract production of bars, baked items, fresh and frozen meals, along with food packaging services. Established in 2009 by Rich Scalise and headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, the enterprise is currently owned by private equity firms Charlesbank Capital Partners and Partners Group. The company's chief executive officer is Darlene Nicosia.
The firm has encountered criticism concerning workplace safety breaches and allegations involving immigrant child labor. Despite these issues, Hearthside continues to hold a prominent position within the contract food manufacturing industry.
On May 28, 2013, Post Holdings purchased Hearthside’s branded and private label cereal, granola, and snack operations, which included brands like Golden Temple and Peace Cereal. This business segment was subsequently integrated into Post's Attune Foods division.
In 2014, ownership of Hearthside transferred to Goldman Sachs Group and Vestar Capital Partners. Later, in 2018, Goldman Sachs divested its interest to Charlesbank Capital Partners and Partners Group.
Hearthside broadened its footprint in 2021 by acquiring six baking plants across North America from Weston Foods, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited. These facilities manufacture cookies, crackers, cones, wafers, and related products.
Amid repercussions from a 2023 child labor controversy—though unrelated to the incident itself—in 2024 Hearthside filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company secured a deal with creditors to reduce approximately $2 billion of outstanding debt.