who owns wrights bacon

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.