WKBN27 published June 17, 2026: Schwebel Baking Company will liquidate after 120 years in business.
WFMJ published June 24, 2026: Local restaurants affected by Schwebel's liquidation.
WKBN27 published June 18, 2026: 'Schwebel's is a staple in our community:' Shoppers react to closure at Sparkle Market in Brookfield, Ohio.
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WKBN22 News, Ohio local
written by Marty Burke, Katelyn Amato, Lindsey Watson, Jeremy Jones
Wednesday June 17, 2026
BOARDMAN, Ohio — A Youngstown staple is shutting down, as Schwebel Baking Company has announced it will liquidate its business after 120 years in operation.
According to a press release, the wind-down will include the company’s bakeries in Youngstown and Hebron, as well as its retail stores and distribution centers across the tri-state area. The company plans to operate through the weekend of July 4 and wind down its operations throughout the summer.
The release says it comes as the company has faced significant operational and financial constraints for years, including aging manufacturing facilities and equipment, labor costs and pension obligations, and consumer trends.
Steve Cooper, a veteran bakery professional and chief executive officer of Schwebel Baking Company, says they tried to find a buyer before shutting down, but with no success, they’ve now begun the liquidation process.
“The Schwebel’s brand has been known for the highest quality of bread, buns and other bakery products for over 100 years, and we are devastated to reach the point where liquidation is the only remaining option,” Cooper stated in the release “We’ve worked with our advisors for several months to identify a buyer or investment source, however despite significant efforts to adapt to changing market conditions and secure additional investment, the company was unable to establish a sustainable path forward.”
Cooper also said the Schwebel’s team is grateful to its employees, customers, business partners and the communities they’ve served throughout its history.
“The board of directors, management team, shareholders, and the Schwebel family are deeply grateful to our employees for their dedication to the Schwebel’s brand. Their hard work, commitment, and pride in producing quality bakery products helped build and sustain this company for generations. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our customers, business partners, suppliers, retirees, and the communities we have served throughout our 120-year history. Their loyalty and support have been instrumental in the success and legacy of Schwebel’s,” Cooper stated.
Schwebel’s has been an icon in the Mahoning Valley throughout its history, known for the slogan “Youngstown Born, Youngstown Bread.” Local leaders say its closure will have an impact on the community.
“It’s terrible. That place has been there my entire life. I live close to it, I’ve been by it since I was a kid, and the smells of the bread, but most importantly, there’s 370 people that work there. That’s 370 families that are affected,” said Mahoning County Commissioner Geno DiFabio.
Congressman Michael Rulli, serving Ohio’s 6th District, said it’s “devastating.”
“I grew up in Schwebel’s bread. It’s always been my number one favorite, go-to bread and butter for my family. It’s devastating because we’ve been buying Schwebel’s bread since my grandfather started [Rulli Brothers] in 1917. I’ve had a lot of my friends work there. My whole, a lot of my family is buried across the street,” Rulli said. “It was part of my childhood. It’s very, it’s unbelievable. I wish they would stay.”
Youngstown City Council members also reacted to the news at their meeting Wednesday. They say not only is the city losing a staple, but the economic impact could be catastrophic.
“It is disheartening when we lose such an institution in our city and in our community overall,” said Third Ward Councilwoman Samantha Turner. “Closing this facility, closing down, whether it’s in Youngstown or Boardman, it affects us all. So, every community, we need to come together and figure out how we can replace those jobs, that tax revenue, because it affects all of us, and we need to understand that and work together — both not just as cities but also as counties.”
Second Ward Councilman Julius Oliver says even though it’s hard for the city, he tries to remain hopeful as Youngstown continues to make strides in other ways.
“I think it’s going to be another devastating blow to the city, because those people live in Youngstown. You have houses in the City of Youngstown,” Oliver said. “As much as it appears that Youngstown continues to cash blows. We are still making progress. We are still moving forward. We’re still building houses and workforce development programs in place. There’s a lot of good still going on.”
For Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Trafficanti, it was a shock.
“I am in total disbelief and in shock that after 120 years of business, Schwebel’s Baking Company is going to be liquidating their business. Schwebel’s was known for their quality products of baking some of the best quality breads and rolls in the country. I grew up on Schwebel’s bread as did many other people who grew up in this area. This is going to be a huge loss. I pray for all the employees and all the families that counted on their jobs at Schwebel’s over the years,” Trafficanti stated.
It was also unexpected for local State Sen. Al Cutrona.
“Absolutely taken back after hearing the news that Schwebel’s is closing. Nothing is harder for a community than a business closing its doors. Especially one that has been around for 120 years. Schwebel’s bread was a staple in the Cutrona household. I will continue to pray for the workers,” Cutrona stated.
Local State Rep. Lauren McNally sent a statement reflecting on Schwebel’s impact and presence in the Valley throughout the decades:
“The news of Schwebel’s closing is deeply saddening for the Mahoning Valley. For generations, Schwebel’s has been more than a bakery — it has been part of the fabric of our community and part of our region’s identity. As a long-standing family-owned business founded right here in Youngstown, Schwebel’s helped build the food manufacturing corridor that stretches from Canton to Pittsburgh, an industry that is not only an important part of our history but should continue to be part of our future as well.
Today is a difficult day because this isn’t just about the loss of a company; it’s about the people. Schwebel’s provided good-paying jobs, strong retirements, and opportunities for countless families across our region. Generations of Mahoning Valley residents built their lives and supported their families through the opportunities Schwebel’s created.
While this moment is painful, we should also take time to express gratitude for all this company has meant to our community and everything it has given back over the years. Schwebel’s will forever be part of the landscape of the Mahoning Valley. And on a personal note, I know I’ll miss my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on Schwebel’s white bread. More importantly, I’ll always be grateful for the company’s decades of commitment to our valley and the lasting impact it leaves behind.”
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