It is a diamond anniversary for one of Canada’s most beloved snacks – Hawkins Cheezies.
On Thursday, at their long-time location at 105 Pinnacle Street in Belleville, the W.T. Hawkins company celebrated its 75th anniversary.
On June 27, 1949, the company was launched by W.T. Hawkins and Jim Marker in Tweed, which was a strategic location thanks to the proximity to the rail lines.
There was a large fire in Tweed in 1956 and the company moved to its current home, Belleville.
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Kent Hawkins is the third generation owner of Hawkins Cheezies and tells Quinte News each cheezie is unique.
“We have extruders, that’s under pressure. They all come out different shapes and sizes, based on the pressure. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one quite the same.”
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No two Hawkins Cheezies are the same (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Tony McGarvey is the Chief Financial Officer and tells Quinte News that Hawkins Cheezies are Canadiana.
“Cheezies, people have so many memories, we’ve been around for 75 years. Cheezies are sitting at the end of the dock with your grandpa having cheezies. They’re family movie night. It’s more than just a snack food, it’s part of who we are as Canadians.”
The company recently purchased land in the Northeast Industrial Park with the intention of building a more modern factory with larger capacity.
A 36-pack of Hawkins Cheezies was dropped off at Quinte News to coincide with their 75th anniversary celebrations (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
