So Long Twinkies, Ding Dongs, Ho Ho’s and Dolly Madison – Hostess to Close

The news that snack food freaks all over the world were fearing the most has come true. Hostess, the maker of Twinkies and Wonder Bread, is going out of business, closing plants, laying off its 18,500 workers and putting its brands up for sale.

Thousands of members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union went on strike last week after rejecting in September a contract offer that cut wages and benefits. The Irving, Texas, company said the strike crippled its ability to make and deliver its products.

Hostess had warned employees that it would file a motion in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to unwind its business and sell assets if plant operations didn’t return to normal levels by Thursday evening. The privately held company filed for Chapter 11 protection in January, its second trip through bankruptcy court in less than a decade.

The company CEO said he hopes someone steps up and buys all the brands to carry on their 82-year-old tradition.

Until then, Wal-Mart has some decent generic options! :)

[CNN]