The Ownership History of Wright’s Bacon From Humble Texas Roots to America’s Favorite Brand
Crispy, smoky Wright’s bacon has become a staple morning treat for millions of Americans. But while the brand feels like an institution today, it came from humble beginnings in Vernon, Texas. Tracing the ownership history of Wright’s provides a fascinating look at the brand’s small-town origin and rise to nationwide popularity.
1922 – Founded by the Eggleston and Wright Families
In 1922, the company that would become Wright Brand Bacon was founded by Egbert Eggleston, his son Fay Eggleston, and son-in-law Roy Wright in Vernon, Texas. The trio aimed to produce fuller-flavored, thick-cut bacon slices by hand-selecting and slow-smoking pork belly over hickory wood fires. They sold their first bacon from the back of a local grocery store.
For decades, Wright’s bacon was owned and operated by the Eggleston and Wright families in Vernon. Their attention to detail and traditional Texas smoking methods earned the bacon a loyal local following. The business steadily grew over the years.
1960s – 225 Employees
By the 1960s, Wright’s Bacon had expanded to over 225 employees supplying bacon across Texas and the broader Southwest. The brand became known regionally for its signature thick slices and robust smoky flavor made from Egbert Eggleston’s original family recipe.
1998 – 650 Employees
Wright’s continued to experience steady growth as they improved production techniques but maintained their founder’s smokehouse standards. By 1998, the company employed 650 staff and sold Wright Brand Bacon in 30 states, cementing its status as a leading bacon brand.
2001 – Acquired by Tyson Foods
After four generations of family ownership, the Wright family agreed to sell the company to Tyson Foods in 2001. It marked the first time since 1922 that a member of the Eggleston or Wright families was not in control of the company.
The acquisition allowed Tyson Foods to invest in and expand the Wright’s bacon operations. Under Tyson’s ownership, the Wright plant in Vernon, Texas grew to over 750 employees. Wright’s also benefited from Tyson’s distribution network to reach more consumers nationwide.
Today – Tyson Foods Ownership
Tyson Foods still owns Wright Brand Bacon today and has remained committed to its legacy of quality. By perfecting Egbert Eggleston’s original cure recipe for over 90 years, Wright’s continues to deliver its signature hand-trimmed, thick-sliced bacon across America. Even with growth, the brand stays connected to its small-town roots.
2021 – $26 Million Investment in Vernon Plant
In 2021, Tyson Foods announced a $26 million dollar expansion of Wright’s historic Vernon bacon plant to meet increasing consumer demand. The investment added over 30 new jobs, bringing the total employment over 800. This commitment to Wright’s Texas home displayed Tyson’s dedication to the brand’s heritage.
The ownership may have changed over the decades, but the superior taste and craftsmanship of Wright’s Bacon remains. Tyson Foods has expanded the brand while preserving what makes it special – careful attention to detail started by a small-town Texas smokehouse over 100 years ago. From a family business to an American breakfast icon, the roots of Wright’s Bacon will keep delivering unbeatable flavor for generations to come.
Kevin Gillespie shows you how to cook bacon the Wright Way™
FAQ
Where is Wright brand bacon processed?
Is Wright brand bacon pork?
Is Wright’s bacon cured?
Does Wright bacon have nitrates?
Who owns Wright Brand Foods?
Wright Brand Foods, Inc. was a meat-packing company located in Vernon, Texas, that was eventually bought by the Tyson Foods corporation in 2001 after seeing rapid market growth beginning in the late 1980s. In 1922, Egbert Eggleston, his son Fay, and son-in-law Roy Wright, founded the Vernon Meat Company in the back of a local grocery store.
Why is Wright Brand celebrating 100 years of real-wood smoked bacon?
The one-day bacon-themed celebration will celebrate Vernon, Texas, the town that has made possible 100 years of real-wood smoked bacon. Vernon, TX – September 12, 2022 – Wright Brand knows there’s no place like home. That’s why the brand is celebrating its centennial anniversary in the place where it all started–Vernon, Texas.
What is Wright Brand Bacon?
It’s a history of doing things a certain way, and one we don’t plan on changing. Wright Brand bacon including Hickory, Applewood, Double Smoked and Maple offerings are all hand-selected, hand-trimmed and 100% wood smoked to impart deliciously and uncompromising rich flavors. It’s thick cut Bacon the Wright Way®.
What’s new at Wright Brand & the bacon strip?
Wright Brand will kick off the celebration on September 16 in partnership with local businesses by introducing a variety of bacon-centric offerings in stores along the newly named main street, The Bacon Strip.