The new factory, located at 1391 Dixie Highway, will be Stellar Snacks’ largest industrial pretzel bakery in Louisville. Construction is set to begin in March 2024, with operations commencing in September of the same year. The facility will initially employ around 100 workers.
The company intends to offer a range of job opportunities, including positions for master pretzel-makers, apprentices, production team members, engineering and maintenance managers, mechanics, technicians, receptionists, and human resources assistants. Stellar Snacks also plans to collaborate with local community colleges and trade schools to provide work experience and employment opportunities for students studying industrial, electrical, and robotic engineering.
Prior to starting construction, Stellar Snacks must secure approval for state incentives from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority. These incentives may include funding for building rail access to the factory and per-job grants with additional benefits for employees residing in the nine West Louisville neighborhoods.
“We are thrilled to welcome Stellar Snacks to our city,” said Louisville’s Mayor Craig Greenberg. “This is a major announcement for the community, bringing over 300 quality jobs and a $137m investment to one of our most underserved areas. Stellar Snacks’ commitment to innovation, sustainability, and diversity aligns with our values, and we are honored to have them in Louisville.”
Founded in 2019 by mother and daughter Elisabeth and Gina Galvin, Stellar Snacks is the first woman-owned pretzel producer in the US. The company currently operates two plants in northern Nevada and employs 170 people. Its pretzel braids are sold in over 5,000 grocery and retail stores across the US and are also supplied to Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines for their in-flight snack service.
Stellar Snacks plans to expand its product selection through upcoming product innovation and aims to open the Louisville facility with a wider range of gourmet flavors. “Since launching our brand in 2021, our business has experienced remarkable growth,” said Elisabeth Galvin. “We are proud to announce that Louisville will be our home in the Midwest. This will be a significant success story for our team and the people of Kentucky.”
