In 2025, Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls & Bread will be turning 70 years old! That’s right—the company, founded in 1955 by Lloyd and Lois Martin, has been baking our famous bread and roll products for going-on seven decades! (And we’re looking forward to many, many more!)
To celebrate this significant milestone in our company’s history, we invite you to watch our new history video, as narrated by several members of the Martin family and leadership team.
70 Key Moments in Martin’s History
Keep the party going! As we prepare to celebrate Martin’s 70th Anniversary in 2025, we’re looking back on the incredible journey that’s made us who we are. To mark this milestone, we’re sharing 70 fun facts about Martin’s – from our humble beginnings to some exciting moments that brought us to where we are today.
Here are 70 reasons we’re proud to celebrate:
1. Baking with Love Since Day One
Every Martin’s product is crafted with the same attention to quality and care that Lloyd and Lois Martin established when they started the company in 1955. That legacy of love is baked into every roll and loaf of bread.
2. A Happy Accident Launched the Business
Martin’s began with a family miscommunication. Lloyd and Lois Martin were working at Wenger Bakery when Mr. Wenger mistakenly thought Lloyd was leaving to start his own business. Inspired by this “happy accident,” Lloyd and Lois took the plunge, founding Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.
3. From a Humble Garage to Potato Roll Lane
The very first Martin’s bakery was located in a small garage. From there, Lloyd and Lois expanded to a restaurant and eventually to the present-day campus at 1000 Potato Roll Lane in Chambersburg, PA.
4. Martin’s Family Restaurant
Did you know Martin’s once ran a restaurant? Known for its over 100 pastry items and a full menu, Martin’s Family Restaurant was a popular spot in Chambersburg. (Take a trip down memory lane with this blog post.)
5. From Pastries to Potato Rolls
Before potato rolls became the star, Martin’s was all about pastries. In fact, that’s where our corporate name, “Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.,” originates!
6. Family is Everything
Martin’s has been family-owned and operated for four generations, and family values remain at the heart of our business. Tony Martin recently shared: “Our intention is to grow like a family—taking care of each other.”
7. Staying Connected to Our Roots
Every Martin family member spends time working in the bakery. Tony Martin explained: “It’s our family motto that all of our family members work on the bakery floor, even if not forever. It keeps us connected to our people and our roots.”
8. Treating Employees Like Family
At Martin’s, employees are more than just team members—they’re family. Jackie Martin reflects on this value: “Working hard, treating people fairly and as family, caring about them, and then making a good product that people can enjoy—that’s what it’s all about.”
Joe Martin shared how this sense of family extends throughout the company: “Family is who we are. Your last name doesn’t have to be Martin to feel like part of the Martin’s team. I’m always glad to hear employees say it feels like a family working here. We try to encourage that—treat each other like brothers and sisters, take care of one another, and build a workplace where everyone feels supported.”
9. Building Bonds Across Departments
Julie Martin described how employees naturally create smaller “families” within their departments: “You’ll see different departments downstairs eating lunch together, or heading out for a meal. It’s like mini families within the larger Martin’s family. We also host company-wide cookouts and picnics to bring everyone together and encourage that family feel.”
10. Our Blog Just Turned 10!
Martin’s blog first launched on December 26, 2014 and it has grown into a space where we share recipes, stories, and inspiration with our fans. (Check out our first-ever post here!)
11. Celebrating 500+ Blog Posts
As we mark the blog’s 10th anniversary, we’re also celebrating a huge milestone: surpassing our 500th blog post! That’s 500 opportunities to connect with our fans, share our love of food, and showcase creative ways to enjoy Martin’s products. Search our blog archive here.
12. Growth Through Word of Mouth
Before we even had a marketing department in 2012, Martin’s products were spreading like wildfire – thanks to the loyalty and enthusiasm of our fans. Your love for our rolls and bread helped us grow to where we are today.
13. Almost 600K Strong on Social Media
Today, Martin’s has a vibrant online community of nearly 600,000 followers across five platforms! (Join the conversation: Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, and Youtube!)
14. We’re a Proud Supporter of Sports Teams Around the World
From stadiums across the U.S. to international venues, Martin’s rolls and bread are fan favorites! Did you know we currently sponsor 11 sports teams? (Explore more in our Sports Stadium Highlight blog!)
15. A Nod to Our Roots: Original Packaging
While Martin’s packaging has been updated subtly over the years, the essential elements of our original 1955 design remains. It’s a small way we honor our history while staying fresh. What we consider “traditional,” our fans now call “retro.”
16. Hidden Gems on Our Packaging
Speaking of packaging, have you ever noticed some of the fun details we’ve tucked in? From “Maximmmmm Flavor” and “A Natural with Spaghetti” to our adorable mascot (see below), our packaging is as playful as it is iconic.
17. Meet Our Mascot: Frannie
Frannie has been livening up our brand with her charm and energy since the early days of Martin’s. Her original design was sketched by Lloyd Martin himself and you can still find her on a few of Martin’s products’ packaging and transport vehicles. Want to know more? Learn all about her and watch her in action here!
18. Our Tagline Has a Tune!
Our original tagline, “The Taste is Golden,” was so catchy, it got its very own jingle! You can listen to it here and sing along.
19. Recipes Made with Love (In-House!)
Most of the recipes and food photography you’ll find on our website are created right in our Martin’s Innovations Kitchen. That means that fan favorites like our Grandma’s Old-Fashioned French Toast are tried, tested, and perfected before making their way to you!
20. Something for Everyone
On the topic of recipes, we have over 900 recipes published on our website! You can use our category filters or search box to find anything from game day appetizers to holiday entrees or desserts. (Hungry? Find your next favorite recipe here!)
21. Celebrating Food Festivals and Trade Shows Worldwide
Over the last 12 years, Martin’s has sponsored dozens of food festivals and events and exhibited at a multitude of trade shows! Want to know where you can find us next? Check out our events page for a full list of upcoming appearances.
22. A Unique New Year’s Tradition: The Martin’s Potato Roll Drop
Since 2022, our hometown of Chambersburg, PA, has hosted the annual New Year’s Eve Potato Roll Drop—a fun and festive way to welcome the new year! For event details, or to watch the live stream on December 31st, visit: https://potatorolldrop.com.
23. Supporting Our Local Communities
Beyond the Potato Roll Drop, Martin’s is deeply committed to the local communities near our bakeries in Chambersburg, PA, and Valdosta, GA. From events to sponsorships, our roots remain strong. (Learn more on our Community page.)
24. Pioneers of the Potato Roll
Did you know that Martin’s created the potato roll category in grocery stores? We’ve been the number one selling potato roll in the U.S. ever since!
Julie Martin shared in a recent interview: “We’ve been the number one potato roll pretty much since we hit the market shelves.”
Jackie Martin added: “Our rolls stand out. They don’t just hold your sandwich together; they actually make your meal better. Unlike some rolls that fall apart or are way too dry, Martin’s adds flavor and texture that elevate every bite.”
25. We’re Proud to Serve What People Need
Martin’s takes pride in being part of something essential—feeding families. Joe Martin expressed it best: “The thing I’m most proud of is that we supply something people need. Food is so core to who we are as people. It’s intimate. It goes deep.”
26. Martin’s Has Its Own Transport Company
Did you know Martin’s has a sister company, MFPS Transport? With over 60 years of experience, MFPS Transport ensures Martin’s fresh products are safely delivered to warehouses across the country as well as anywhere else they need to be. Learn more at mfpstransport.com.
27. Maintaining Our Fleet In-House
MFPS Transport doesn’t just deliver Martin’s products—it also owns and maintains all of Martin’s vehicles on site. From company cars to step vans, box trucks, tractors, and trailers, our fleet is always road-ready, thanks to our dedicated team.
28. A New Corporate Home
In July 2015, Martin’s opened its new corporate office, providing a central hub for operations as our company continues to grow.
29. Expanding for the Future
Over the years, Martin’s has undergone several expansions to keep up with demand and ensure we continue delivering the quality our customers love.
30. Martin’s by the Numbers
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring Martin’s products to your table:
- The Chambersburg Bakery produces thousands of packages of potato rolls per hour.
- Tractor trailers full of Martin’s products are shipped to over 100 warehouses across the U.S.
- MFPS Transport’s delivery trucks travel over 7 million miles every year. (That’s enough to circle the earth 281 times!)
For more fun facts about Martin’s production process, check out our Potato Roll Journey blog post!
31. Freshness Comes First
At Martin’s, freshness is a priority. That’s why we use a shorter shelf-life code than many of our competitors, ensuring customers always enjoy the freshest products possible.
32. A New Chapter: Potato Bread
In 1994, Martin’s acquired the Valley Pride Bakery in Shippensburg, PA to begin producing Potato Bread, adding another signature product to our lineup. (Learn more on our History Timeline.)
33. Expanding South: Valdosta Bakery
In 2007, Martin’s built a bakery in Valdosta, GA, helping us serve even more customers while maintaining the same high-quality standards.
34. #1 Potato Roll in the U.S.
Despite being sold primarily on the East Coast and in select Midwest and Southern markets, Martin’s Potato Rolls remain the #1 selling potato roll in the United States*—a testament to the unmatched quality and taste our customers love.
*According to iRI/Circana sales data.
35. Find Us in Over 1,000 Retailers!
Martin’s products are carried in thousands of retail stores nationwide. Want to sell Martin’s in your store? Visit our New Retailer Information page to learn how.
36. Expanding Nationwide
Martin’s is working hard to make our products available across the entire United States. Tony Martin shared: “We’re finding that people from California to the Midwest are excited about our product and want it in their markets.” (Explore more in our Journey of a Potato Roll blog post.)
37. Now Available in Canada and Mexico
Martin’s products have gone international! Customers can now find our products in retailers across Canada and Mexico. Check out the full list of locations here (Canada) and here (Mexico).
38. A Global Distribution Network
To ensure Martin’s products are available worldwide, we partner with a network of independent wholesalers and we also utilize both national and international distributors. Contact us if you are interested in becoming a distributor of Martin’s products.
39. Global Reach: Over 55 Countries
Martin’s products have expanded to over 55 countries worldwide for food service use!
- Tony Martin: “We’ve only scratched the surface of where we can go internationally.”
- Joe Martin: “The world’s a big place. We’re still looking for that first sale in Antarctica, but we’ll get there someday!”
- Julie Martin: “People from around the world write to us all the time asking how they can get our rolls in their country. The opportunities are endless.”
40. A Favorite of Top Restaurants
Trendy restaurant chains, including Shake Shack and Dave’s Hot Chicken, trust Martin’s Potato Rolls to elevate their menus and their customers’ dining experience. Our rolls add the perfect flavor and textural complement for options such as smash burgers and crispy fried chicken.
41. A Hub for Food Service
We have a separate website tailored specifically for our foodservice and restaurant partners. Explore it here! (P.S., Be on the lookout for a brand-new website refresh in the coming weeks!)
42. A Foundation of Christian Principles
Martin’s has always been guided by Christian values. You may notice Bible verses displayed on the digital sign outside our bakery, around our corporate office, or in messages on social media during religious holidays.
43. Observing the National Day of Prayer
Every first Thursday in May, Martin’s employees gather at the flagpole to observe the National Day of Prayer, a day set aside by Congress to encourage Americans to turn to God in prayer and meditation.
44. Giving Back: 10-20% of Profits Donated Annually
Martin’s is deeply committed to generosity, donating 10-20% of profits each year to charitable causes, from homeless shelters and food banks to multicultural scholarships and afterschool programs.
- Tony Martin shared: “Generosity is very important to us. We tithe by giving to hundreds of organizations, helping those in need, and giving back to the community. It brings us joy and is core to who we are.”
- Jackie Martin added: “This value of giving back has been passed down from our grandparents. It’s embedded in who we are as a family and as Christians.”
- Joe Martin explained: “The Bible teaches that we work not just for ourselves but so we can give to others. Our success is other people’s success.”
- Julie Martin reflected: “Giving back started with our grandparents and continues with the fourth generation. We support nonprofit organizations, food banks, and at-risk youth programs—all different organizations that we feel are really doing good. It’s something we’re proud to continue as part of our mission.”
(Explore more about Martin’s charitable giving here.)
45. A Family Picnic Like No Other
Every three years, Martin’s hosts a multi-day family picnic to show appreciation for our employees. This iconic event includes food trucks, games, fireworks, and more, offering fun for all ages.
46. Visit The Golden Roll: Martin’s Visitor’s Center
Martin’s Visitor’s Center, called “The Golden Roll,” pays homage to both our signature product and the Golden Rule—a principle we strive to live by daily.
- Tony Martin shares: “We want to be seen as people who do what’s right, even when no one’s looking.”
Schedule a tour and explore the Visitor’s Center here.
47. Top-Selling Favorites
Our top-selling products are Sandwich Rolls, Long Rolls, and Potato Bread. Our customers especially love these products for everything from summer grilling season to everyday sandwiches and French toast!
48. A Unique Naming Convention
We call our hamburger buns “Sandwich Rolls” and our hot dog buns “Long Rolls” because they’re versatile for all kinds of creations. These names also highlight their inclusivity, as all Martin’s products are certified “K Dairy” kosher.
49. Potato Dough and Beyond
Most of Martin’s products are made with our iconic potato dough, a unique blend of potato flour and wheat flour. However, some of our products—like Big Marty’s Rolls, Hoagie Rolls, and Butter Bread—do not include potato flour. Additionally, our 100% Whole Wheat Potato Bread combines the potato dough with nutritious whole wheat for a perfect balance. (Learn more in our Complete Guide to Martin’s Products.)
50. Big Marty’s: More Sesame Seeds!
Our Big Marty’s Rolls are a sesame seed lover’s dream, featuring more sesame seeds than almost any other bun on the market!
51. Products Exclusive to Foodservice
We have several products, like Top-Sliced Long Rolls and Texas Toast Potato Bread, that are available exclusively for foodservice. (Explore the full product line here.)
52. Our Largest Bun
Did you know that Martin’s largest bun is the 5-inch Potato Roll? It’s perfect for oversized sandwiches and can hold more than ½ lb. of meat! Learn more here.
53. Innovation is Key
We are always innovating and looking for new products to please customers. In 2017, we introduced Martin’s Old-Fashioned Real Butter Bread, and more recently, we launched a line of delicious Swirl Breads in flavors like Cinnamon-Raisin, Cinnamon-Sugar, and Maple Brown Sugar.
54. Quality Products and Service
At Martin’s, our mission is simple: “Bake the best products & provide the best sales distribution support.”
- Tony Martin explains it this way: “You have to have a quality product. If people don’t enjoy it, it won’t last…We have to have something that’s unique, that fulfills a need and enhances people’s lives for the better.”
- Joe Martin added: “If you wouldn’t buy it, don’t put it on the shelf. Why expect someone else to want it?”
55. Our Objective: Integrity in Business
Our objective as a business is: “Generate profit & work together fairly with integrity.”
- Julie Martin explains: “We want our faith to come through in how we do business—internally with coworkers and externally with partners, distributors, and grocery stores. We aim to be a company you trust and want to work with.”
56. A Strategy Rooted in Faith
Martin’s strategy is simple but powerful: “Whatever it takes, God helping us.” This principle guides everything we do at Martin’s—we work hard to honor our Mission, but we rely on our faith in God to help us get there, acknowledging that we can’t do it on our own.
57. Our Pyramid of Success
Our internal culture at Martin’s is driven by what we call our “pyramid of success,” a framework of behaviors that we believe help Martin’s succeed. These behaviors include being: An Employer of Choice, A Supplier/Provider of Choice, An Investment of Choice, and A God-Honoring Company.
58. Our Five Commitments
To honor our Mission, achieve our Objective, and support our Strategy, our employees aim to live out these 5 core values:
- Be a Person of Integrity and Respect
- Be a Communicator on a Unified Team
- Be a Contributor to a Culture
- Be a Proactive Thinker
- Be an Ambassador for Martin’s
Read more about Martin’s corporate culture here.
59. “It’s All About the Bun”
As our new motto and tagline indicates, the secret to a great sandwich is the bread, and Martin’s products are crafted to be the perfect base for any creation.
- Julie Martin explains this slogan well: “The bread is the first thing you taste when you bite into a sandwich. Martin’s rolls have a unique flavor profile that blends perfectly with other ingredients, without overpowering them. It’s the beginning flavor of anything else you’re making.”
(Explore more details in our It’s All About the Bun blog post!)
60. Cherished Eating Experiences
At Martin’s, we hope to be part of our customers’ most special moments—whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply enjoying life.
- Tony Martin shared: “People come back because they had a great eating experience. Our products are versatile and enhance whatever you’re making, whether it’s a burger, a hoagie, or a ham sandwich. It’s about bringing a smile to someone’s face and creating warm memories.”
It’s our goal for Martin’s products to be a small but crucial part of these moments, helping bring people together and making every occasion a little more special.
61. Customer Service is Paramount
At Martin’s, we believe in treating customers like family. If there’s ever an issue with a product, our team goes above and beyond to make it right.
- Jackie Martin shares: “We care about our customers and do our best to meet their needs. It’s about ensuring they have what they need and feel valued.”
- Joe Martin adds: “If you treat the customer like a family member, they have a better experience. Our sales staff works hard to follow up quickly—sometimes even showing up at their door to personally deliver replacement product. And so we try to treat people like we would want to be treated.”
62. Be Part of Our Fan Club
Sign up for our email newsletter here to receive bi-monthly coupons and a special birthday coupon. You’ll also be the first to know about new blog posts, recipes, and special giveaway opportunities!
63. Growing Together
Martin’s has grown from having just our two cofounders in 1955 to over 1,000 employees today! We’re also proud to have employees who have been with us for over 45 years, reflecting the family atmosphere we try to cultivate.
64. Join the Martin’s Team
Speaking of employees…we’re hiring! Discover open positions and learn about the amazing benefits of working at Martin’s—like free product, an on-site health center, and more.
View Open Positions | Watch Our Careers Video
65. Martin’s Potato Rolls ≠ Martin’s Potato Chips
While we’re not related to Martin’s Potato Chips (another Central Pennsylvania brand), we do have a history in the chip business! Martin’s previously owned Gibble’s Potato Chips, a beloved snack for many, until 2012 when we sold the company.
66. Prioritizing Employee Wellness
Martin’s employees and their families have access to WeCare health coaches and an onsite healthcare facility in Chambersburg, which offers convenient and high-quality medical care.
67. Shop Martin’s Online
Love Martin’s? Check out our online store for Martin’s merchandise and share your Potato Roll pride! Shop here.
68. Christmas Traditions at Martin’s
Christmas is a big deal at Martin’s! Every year, employees enjoy a special Christmas luncheon and receive a thoughtful gift. Throughout the year, we also host smaller appreciation meals to thank our team for their hard work.
69. Famous Indeed!
Martin’s frequently receives shout-outs from restaurants and chefs around the world. In fact, the brand received nearly 4,000 mentions this past year alone. (Check out the latest media mentions on our Famous Indeed page!)
70. Thank You for 70 Years!
As we kick off our 70th year, we want to thank our customers, employees, and partners for their support. Your love for Martin’s has made this incredible journey possible. Here’s to many more years of sharing delicious memories!
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