Red Hen Baking Company

Red Hen Baking Company, established in 1999, is a beloved artisanal bakery in Middlesex, Vermont. Founded by Randy George and Eliza Cain, the bakery has become renowned for its commitment to producing high-quality, organic breads and pastries using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. What started as a small operation in Duxbury has grown into a thriving business that now occupies a custom-built facility in Middlesex, complete with a café that serves as a community gathering place.

Red Hen’s philosophy is dedicated to using pure, uncomplicated ingredients and the skilled hands of artisan bakers. The bakery takes pride in sourcing over 90% of its flour from two farmers within 150 miles, using an impressive 430,000 pounds of local wheat annually. Their bread-making process involves slow fermentation, which enhances flavor and texture and increases nutritional value and shelf life. Red Hen offers various breads, from dense whole grain loaves to light and airy ciabattas, all formed by hand and baked in a hearth oven.

Beyond its commitment to quality baking, Red Hen Baking Company is deeply invested in its community. The bakery supports various local organizations through charitable donations and strives to minimize its environmental impact. With over 40 dedicated employees, many of whom have been with the company for years, Red Hen continues to innovate while staying true to its artisanal roots. The bakery’s café has become a local destination, offering its famous breads, pastries, sandwiches, soups, and a selection of regional specialty foods, beers, and wines.