The original Cape Cod Chips factory in Hyannis will close its doors in April 2024, marking the end of a significant chapter in local snack manufacturing. The decision by Campbell’s Soup, which acquired the chip brand in 2018, will affect 49 jobs at the facility.
The factory has been a staple in the community for over four decades, known for its distinctive potato chips and its location, prominently featured on every bag. The closure not only impacts employees but also resonates with many who have fond memories associated with the brand.
Among those feeling the loss is Nicole Bernard Dawes, an entrepreneur and founder of brands like Late July and Nixie. Dawes grew up around the factory, often doing her homework there after school. In an interview with WBUR, she reflected on her deep connection to the site: “I spent a lot of time at the factory. I was there all the time.”
Dawes returned to the family business as an adult, serving as the director of marketing. During her tenure, she helped introduce successful products, including a popular reduced-fat chip line. Her innovative marketing strategies included memorable campaigns, such as a promotion inspired by the television show “Seinfeld,” where consumers who sent nothing received a free bag of chips.
The factory was a vibrant part of the community and a tourist destination on Cape Cod. Dawes expressed sorrow for the employees affected by the closure, stating, “My heart breaks for the people who lost their jobs because this is a tough time to lose a job. It’s a tough time to get a job.” She emphasized the importance of protecting American food manufacturing jobs, noting their significance to local economies.
The original Cape Cod Chips factory was sold to snack company Lance in 1999, after which Dawes pursued her own ventures. Despite her distance from the brand, she feels a personal loss with the factory’s imminent closure. “It hit me pretty hard. Every time I would drive by that plant and smell the potato chips cooking, it felt like a little piece of home,” she said, recalling her late father’s connection to the business.
In a statement announcing the factory’s closure, Campbell’s Soup indicated that production would shift to other facilities across the United States, including locations in Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Although Cape Cod Chips will remain available in supermarkets nationwide, they will no longer be produced on Cape Cod.
Dawes holds onto cherished memories of her time at the factory. She likened the smell of freshly cooked potato chips to a moment from the animated film “Ratatouille,” stating, “I am immediately transported back to that factory floor and being with my parents and being a kid.”
As the community prepares to say goodbye to the Cape Cod Chips factory, its closure marks not just a business transition, but a poignant farewell to a beloved local institution.
