ANCHORAGE - If you love Twinkies, Ding-Dongs or Wonder Bread, get them while you still can.
Hostess Brands announced Friday they are shutting down all of their factories and sending workers home, leaving the fate of some of America’s favorite snack foods unknown.
The company first filed for bankruptcy in 2004 and did so again this year.
Hostess blames the shut down on a Bakers Union strike that was unable to be resolved.
There is talk of other businesses expressing interest in making some of the Hostess products, but as of Friday the production lines across the country are quiet.
Among the 18,000 workers nationwide who lost jobs today are 90 Alaskans who were employed at the iconic Sunrise Bakery in Spenard.
"I was told that this was my last day of work that's all I know,” said Corey Allen after getting out of his truck.
Allen, a Hostess employee for the past 15 years, had just made his last delivery to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
“They said just finish your day as normal and that's what I did, I did the best job I could for them 'til the end,” he said.
Cheri Burkett also found out Friday that it was her last day.
“She said that Hostess closed the place down and come and pick up my last pay check and the doors would be closed by three o'clock,” said Burkett.
“Guess I’ll be in the employment line on Monday, or unemployment line,” she said.
While employees left the building, customers were forming a long line, stock piling their favorite products.
Kat Whittier is a frequent customer of Sunrise Bakery.
"It’s within walking distance of my apartment,” she said.
“Since I don't drive, because I'm blind in one eye, I find it very convenient for me to be able to get to the store,” said Whittier.
Now she’s worried about where she’ll get her weekly supply of bakery goods.
As the sun sets on the Sunrise Bakery, many people like Kat Whittier are hoping another company will takeover making these iconic products.
There is no word yet on the future the Sunrise Bakery building.
