John Gregg (baker)
English businessman, best known as the founder of Greggs
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Robson Gregg (9 November 1909 – 23 September 1964) was an English businessman, best known as the founder of Greggs, the United Kingdom's largest bakery chain.
9 November 1909
John Gregg | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Robson Gregg 9 November 1909 Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Died | 23 September 1964 (aged 54) Northumberland, England |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of Greggs |
| Children | 3 |
Biography
Gregg was born at Canada Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, in 1909 to John George Gregg (1874 – 1932) and Mary Ann Gregg (née Marrs; 1878 – ?).[1][2] At the age of 14, he joined the family egg and yeast business.[1] He would make deliveries on his pushbike to local working-class homes.[3] He acquired a van in the 1930s.[1]
Gregg was called up to serve in the British Army during World War II and during this time his wife bought a second van and started distributing confectionery as well as ingredients for bread.[4] In 1939, he founded Greggs, a family bakery store in Tyneside, with its first shop opening in 1951 on Gosforth high street.[5] By 1953, the business consisted of one shop and six vans selling products from the bakery.[6]
He died of lung cancer in 1964.[3][7] After his death, his son, Ian Gregg (b. 1939), took over the family business.[5]