Note: This is from a release by Food City.

Today, company officials announced that Food City customers will soon see the return of Kern's Bread, a regional favorite, to the shelves of their retail supermarkets.

"We pride ourselves on top quality products, competitive pricing and exceptional customer service," says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. "Like our company, Kern's was also a local family-owned operation and we're thrilled to bring back such a popular line of top quality products".

Kern's history dates back 144 years, when the first bakery was founded in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1864 by Peter Kern, former mayor of Knoxville (1890-91). The bakery operated from the present Hotel St. Oliver on Union Avenue in the late 1800's, until the new building was later constructed on Chapman Highway.

Area Food City locations will serve as the exclusive Kern's outlet. A complete line of white, whole wheat, honey wheat and lite wheat breads and buns will be available, featuring the original batter-whipped recipe. A line of fresh baked cakes will also follow, including single serve snack cakes, angel food and pound cakes.

The new Kern's line will continue to be produced in its hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, by Sara Lee Bakeries' Chapman Highway facility.

"We're very excited to see the return of this wonderful regional favorite," said Mike Wardell, plant manager. "We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Food City throughout the years and we're proud to be part of the production of a top quality line of products with such a rich heritage."