When you hear a name like “The Bun Lady,” your imagination may run a bit wild. But for Cordia Harrington, that’s a moniker she’s grown accustomed to since it was bestowed upon her over two decades ago. Not only did Cordia graduate from McDonald’s Hamburger University in 1989, but she is the driving force behind The Bakery Cos. (now Crown Bakeries), which delivers buns and other baked goods to large companies like McDonald’s, Whole Foods, and Five Guys. Her facilities produce roughly 1,000 buns per minute, daily … that’s a lot of buns!
Cordia’s projects have earned her a variety of accolades, including being named one of the 25 “Top Women Business Builders” by FAST Company, “Woman Business Owner of the Year” in 2000 by the National Association of Women Business Owners, 2007’s “Executive of the Year” at the Excellence in Manufacturing Awards, and a spot in the YWCA Academy of Women of Achievement. A longtime supporter of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, she’s also chairing the 2022 Heritage Ball. Please welcome this week’s inspiring FACE of Nashville — Cordia Harrington, The Bun Lady!
First, how did you get the nickname ‘The Bun Lady’?
In 2000, I was a member of the Leadership Nashville Class. Upon graduation, each member of the class was “roasted,” and four guys turned around with plastic costume “buns” tied to their waists and called me “The Bun Lady.” It stuck!
What led to The Bakery Companies, McDonald’s franchises, and oodles of hamburger buns? What inspired you?
My inspiration and drive were my three sons. Each business was my endeavor to have a company that would allow me to spend more time with them. I started in real estate in the ’80s and had clients who owned the local McDonald’s franchise. Real estate is a business of nights and weekends, so I was looking for a way to spend more time with my sons, and a McDonald’s franchise seemed like a great way to achieve that. Little did I know that I would be spending every waking hour in franchisee training or that my first restaurant in Effingham, IL, would be staffed almost entirely by the former owner’s family. They left on my first day! But through that, I learned about an opportunity to start a bakery business making buns for McDonald’s. I knew that was the business for me, so I put everything I had into the first bakery in Dickson, TN — after four years and 30+ interviews to convince McDonald’s!
As the founder of The Bakery Cos., can you explain the scope of the business and what it handles?
The Bakery Cos. rebranded last year to become Crown Bakeries. Crown is a group of nine distinct bakeries with amazing capabilities, including a high-speed bun line (1,000 buns a minute), three croissant lines, a biscuit line, English muffin griddles, and more. We bake and distribute over 15 million pieces a day from plants in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Iowa, Georgia (two plants), and Tennessee (three plants).
What has been the biggest challenge for you in terms of entrepreneurship — particularly given your company’s history of fast growth?
Finding the right people! Hire the right people for the right responsibility, and the sky is the limit. Any business is limited by not having enough of the right people.
Tell us about The Bun Lady Scholarship, how it was established, and to whom it’s awarded.
Education is something I feel strongly about, so there are several Bun Lady scholarship opportunities. In the bakeries, our associates and their families can apply for scholarships to assist with college or technical school expenses. We award two scholarships at each plant every year. In addition, several other scholarships are available from programs I’ve been able to start at Belmont University, the University of Arkansas, and Chi Omega. These were created to help students study abroad or do mission work, to support emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, and to help first-time students or students in need fund their education. I’ve been blessed to see so many students able to make a difference in the world with a bit of help from these scholarships.
What are your passions outside of your business and family?
Traveling. I love to see new and different places! Making connections between people I know, and allowing them to create opportunities for business and other endeavors. Reading and riding bikes.
What do you view as your biggest success?
Having long-term and lifelong friendships that continue to grow.
What’s on the horizon for you?
This year and next, I am serving as chairman of the American Bakers Association. It’s a privilege to give back to the industry I love. Their office is based in Washington, DC, and I’ll get to do a lot of travel representing ABA. I also have several other board commitments I enjoy.
This summer, I am hosting friends and family in Italy. We will be based in Forte Dei Marmi, and 28 guests will come and go!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Keep the end in mind. There will be disappointments and distractions along the way, but always keep focused and persevere with the end goal in mind.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?
My cell phone. My Kindle. My American Express!
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Meet more inspiring Nashville women through our FACES archives!
