Kevin Haslebacher takes top job at Alvarado

PETALUMA -- Specialty food industry veteran Kevin Haslebacher has assumed a new role as general coordinator for Alvarado Street Bakery, based in Petaluma.

[caption id="attachment_100622" align="alignright" width="350"] Kevin Haslebacher, Alvarado Street Bakery[/caption]

He will take over for Joe Tuck, who has helped steer the cooperative for many years. Mr. Tuck plans to retire after a transition period.

Mr. Haslebacher, who previously was an executive with Amy's Kitchen, started at Alvarado Wednesday.

Alvarado, with revenue of $32 million, operates as a worker cooperative, where each employee also has an ownership stake as a member of the cooperative."In this environment, everybody is equal," Mr. Haslebacher said. "While they are looking for leadership and innovation, it's a democracy. I don't have to be the guy making all the decisions. Members get a voice."

The cooperative structure tends to attract employee members who are passionate about the company and the work, he said. "For me, it's hugely motivating."

The company, founded in 1979, made its name by producing breads made in part with sprouted whole grains. Its products are available widely, including at Costco stores, and fresh throughout the North Bay, San Francisco and Sacramento areas. Its frozen bread is sold nationwide. Sprouted breads freeze well, he said.

Alvarado has 120 employees.

"I love the natural foods industry," Mr. Haslebacher said. "That's where I want to be."

He said he was a consumer of Alvarado Street Bakery bread before he landed the job.

Mr. Haslebacher, who has worked in the food industry for 35 years, with about half of that in baked goods, had served as executive vice president of manufacturing operations for Amy's Kitchen since 2012.

Amy's Kitchen has estimated revenue of about $400 million and some 2,000 employees, roughly half of whom work in Sonoma County.

Mr. Haslebacher also worked for Ralcorp's frozen bakery division, as well as for Nabisco.

Show Comment