Sharrock’s Bakery Produces 40K Packages of Crumpets Weekly

Sweet treats and baked goods being made behind the scenes in a bakery

SBA 504 financing fuels growth for multigenerational business preserving a century-old tradition

For more than a century, Sharrock’s Bakery has carried forward a tradition of handcrafted baked goods rooted in Massachusetts and English history.  Today, the Wareham-based bakery is building on that legacy thanks to the help of SBA 504 financing — expanding its capacity, supporting local jobs, and producing more than 40,000 packages of crumpets each week.

A Massachusetts-Made Legacy

Sharrock’s Bakery traces its origins to 1905, when its original owner emigrated from England and came to Massachusetts to work in the mills of historic Bedford.  The bakery’s “Made in the USA” heritage has now endured for more than 100 years.

In 1990, Henry and Judy DeJesus assumed ownership of the business from Henry’s father, who had taken charge after the initial owner.  At that time, Henry’s father operated the bakery largely as a passion project, producing approximately 60 packages of crumpets per week.

The DeJesus family saw an opportunity to turn a beloved specialty product into a sustainable and growing enterprise.  Through dedication to quality, family leadership, and a commitment to maintaining the bakery’s traditional roots – Sharrock’s has grown from a small crumpet operation into a thriving Massachusetts manufacturer with growing national distribution channels.

Scaling Production in Wareham

Its’ Wareham facility serving as the center of operations – Sharrock’s Bakery now produces more than 40,000 packages of crumpets each week.  

The company remains a family-run operation.  Henry and Judy’s daughter, Sarah DeJesus, manages daily operations, oversees the production line, and leads a team of bakers.  Her leadership helps ensure that the business can meet increasing demand while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that have defined Sharrock’s for generations.

Supporting Local Economic Development

SBA 504 financing obtained from SEED Corp. (South Eastern Economic Development Corporation) and Commercial Loan Officer Laurie Driscoll helped the small business acquire new machinery and equipment needed to succeed at the current Wareham factory.  For manufacturers and food producers such as Sharrock’s Bakery, that type of long-term financing can support the facilities and equipment needed to increase production, create jobs, and compete in growing markets. 

Today with 8 full-time employees and 8 part-time employees, Sharrock’s Bakery illustrates the impact of the SBA 504 Loan Program: a multigenerational business preserving a century-old tradition while investing in the production capacity needed for its next chapter.

This article does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the SBA of any opinions, products, or services of any private individual or entity.