Hostess has been having financial problems for a while, including going into bankruptcy in 2004 and again earlier this year. But this time, it doesn't look good for the maker of iconic baked goods including Wonder Bread, Hostess Cup Cakes and Twinkies.
For those of us who grew up in the '50s and '60s, we all knew that "Wonder Bread builds strong bodies eight ways." I can't recall what those eight ways were, but it had to be true because Howdy Doody and Buffalo Bob told us so. Wonder Bread was THE key ingredient for all sandwiches. (This was before bagels became an American food.)
And Twinkies. What more could a kid want for a well-balanced nutritious meal?
My favorite was -- and still is -- Hostess Cup Cakes, the ones with either the golden or chocolate topping and the white squiggle down the middle. I still rely on those to keep me going on a long drive. It's automatic -- stop to get gas, go to the bathroom, and get a package of Hostess Cup Cakes.
The news reports are saying Hostess has filed a motion to shut its plants, lay off 18,000 workers and liquidate its business.
Please... say it isn't so.