Who is Jim Martin? Bread firm boycotted after executive chair’s donation to Doug Mastriano
3 min read
(Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce/Facebook, Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images, Martin's Famous Potato Rolls and Bread/Facebook)
After it was revealed that the famous bread-making family donated money to conspiracy theorist and Republican candidate for governor of Pennsylvania, Doug Mastriano, high-profile chefs and local eateries have boycotted Martin’s potato rolls. Mastriano’s gubernatorial campaign received $110,000 from Jim Martin, the current executive chair and previous president of Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe. Martin’s wife and daughter also contributed to the campaign, it was disclosed.
This information was exposed in a Spotlight PA story from April. Mastriano, a Trump supporter, has been outspoken in promoting the belief that former President Donald Trump will win the 2020 election.
Mastriano is now a state senator in Pennsylvania. He was a key figure in the de-authorization of Pennsylvania voting machines after the 2020 elections. He is also said to have tried to persuade lawmakers to disregard the state’s election results in favour of appointing their own winner. Mastriano reposted a video of himself comparing gun control legislation to Nazi Germany after the deadly massacre at Uvalde’s Robb Elementary School.
Who is Jim Martin?
Lloyd and Lois Martin created Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc. in 1955. The Martin family still owns and operates it. Jim Martin is the company’s current executive chair and former president. In July 2021, Jim supposedly ceded the presidency to his son, Tony. He is, nevertheless, still active in the company’s direction and strategy. Other members of the family work for the company as well.
“Lloyd and Lois Martin created Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc. in 1955, and the Martin family still owns and operates it today. Not only that, but we think of ourselves as a huge work family. Each member of our “family” plays an important role in the company’s success, and working together is what allows us to produce the high-quality product you see on the grocery store shelf every week “According to the company’s website.
About his early life
Martin’s began in the garage of Lloyd and Lois Martin in 1955. The company, which is based in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, currently employs well-known chefs such as Danny Meyer and David Chang. As a hamburger and sandwich bread, Martin’s potato roll is popular. “Giving back to our community through service programs, product donations, and charitable contributions is an important part of who we are. Even in the early days of Lloyd and Lois Martin’s partnership, resources were put to good use in order to make the world a better place. Martin’s continues this tradition today by donating a portion of their profits to various charity each year “According to the website.
— Martin's Potato Rolls (@potatorolls) May 17, 2022
While Martin’s has not directly addressed the issue, they did tweet about it on May 17th “Martin’s firm, like our country as a whole, is made up of a diverse set of employees and stockholders who are all free to support and vote for whomever they want. Martin’s does not donate to any political candidate or party, but we do encourage and celebrate everyone’s right to vote and participate in the electoral process.”
Ankita Khanrah
Ankita Khanrah is a second-year student of the Master of Communication and Journalism (Integrated) programme at the School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed University, Bhubaneswar.
