Willard W. Bickford
1927-2021
It is with great sadness that the Bickford Family and all at Clyde’s Donuts announce the passing of Chairman Emeritus and second generation owner Willard W. Bickford.
Willard W. Bickford, known as ‘Bill’, and affectionately referred to by his employees as “Mr. B”, aged 94, died on November 6, 2021, in Schaumburg, Illinois. He was born in Corning, Iowa in 1927, and raised on his family’s farm. He was the youngest of 8 siblings. After a short career in the U.S. Navy at the very end of World War II, he moved to Chicago and began his career at Clyde’s Delicious Donuts on April 1, 1948, working for the man who would become his father-in-law.
After taking full ownership of Clyde’s in 1963, the company embarked on a period of growth and modernization for many decades. Bill provided ‘hands on’ direction and leadership of the company into the 21st century. Dad loved his work and career at Clyde’s, he loved donuts, and he loved the many employees who have made Clyde’s successful.
Clyde’s Donuts Announces Key Leadership Promotions
AnnouncementsADDISON, IL (December 15, 2022) – Today, Clyde’s Donuts announced several important changes to its Leadership team. Josh Bickford, EVP of Strategic Initiatives, will assume the role of President, reporting to Kim Bickford, CEO. Vice President of Operations, Nero Patel has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, and Controller John Olson has been promoted to Vice President of Finance.
Read moreProducing 1 million donuts a day in Addison
Clyde's in the NewsClyde’s Donuts produces more than one million glazed donuts, filled donuts, donut holes and other varieties every day, following the same high-quality, handcrafted batch recipes their family has used for over 100 years! In this Q&A session with Chicago’s Daily Herald, Josh Bickford details the exciting plans for second expansion and the future of Clyde’s Donuts for donut lovers across the country!
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Announcing the Passing of Willard W. Bickford
AnnouncementsWillard W. Bickford
1927-2021
It is with great sadness that the Bickford Family and all at Clyde’s Donuts announce the passing of Chairman Emeritus and second generation owner Willard W. Bickford.
Willard W. Bickford, known as ‘Bill’, and affectionately referred to by his employees as “Mr. B”, aged 94, died on November 6, 2021, in Schaumburg, Illinois. He was born in Corning, Iowa in 1927, and raised on his family’s farm. He was the youngest of 8 siblings. After a short career in the U.S. Navy at the very end of World War II, he moved to Chicago and began his career at Clyde’s Delicious Donuts on April 1, 1948, working for the man who would become his father-in-law.
After taking full ownership of Clyde’s in 1963, the company embarked on a period of growth and modernization for many decades. Bill provided ‘hands on’ direction and leadership of the company into the 21st century. Dad loved his work and career at Clyde’s, he loved donuts, and he loved the many employees who have made Clyde’s successful.
Clyde’s Donuts Grows to Second Location, Supplies Nation with Even More Donuts
AnnouncementsADDISON, IL (October 12, 2021) – Clyde’s Donuts, a leading supplier of donuts to in-store bakeries and foodservice providers nationwide, today announced its expansion into a new, state-of-the art manufacturing facility in 2022. As a part of its continued growth, the company’s second facility will provide additional donut capacity and quality careers for hundreds of workers.
“During the unprecedented last couple of years, it’s clear that consumers continue to love donuts, though a lack of supply has really strained the marketplace,” explains Kim Bickford, CEO of Clyde’s Donuts. “We are so thankful for our employees, who have worked tirelessly through these times, and our customers, who have shown great patience as we made plans to ensure many, many more delicious donuts for years to come!”
Read morePassing the Test of Time
Clyde's in the NewsFocusing on the “family” part of family business, Kim Bickford highlights what over 100 years of experience has taught Clyde’s Donuts about weathering the storm of the current pandemic.
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