The Scoop: McArthur’s bakery transitions to new ownership

  After 35 years operating McArthur’s Bakery, owner Randy McArthur has passed his apron on to new hands. Live to Venture Holdings, owned by Scott and Sheila Rinaberger, purchased McArthur’s in early November, following the bakery’s year-long search for new ownership. McArthur was intent on finding someone with the talent, energy and capital to invest in his family’s legacy and move it into the future. “Scott recognizes the solid reputation for high-quality products that McArthur’s is so well known for,” McArthur said. “I sensed his excitement and enthusiasm about moving the bakery into the future right from the start.” Scott Rinaberger will work alongside Ben Abel, the bakery’s new director of operations, with a focus on updating McArthur’s image and renovating the facilities. The pair hopes to expand weekly cake production and is looking into online retail options. New updates to the menu, including more salad options and a children’s menu, are in the works for early 2015. The Rinabergers also own two franchised restaurants and a preschool in Chesterfield. McArthur said he has taken steps to see that existing bakery employees, some of whom have been with company more than 20 years, will “remain in place with us after the sale.” He added that while he is happy to let go of the day-to-day demands of running a bakery, he will miss his longstanding customer relationships and the employees that contribute to the family atmosphere at McArthur’s. “I’m just excited for Scott and his team and all of my ex-employees," he said. "They have the opportunity to take this family business and push it forward into the next generation.” Rinaberger and his team welcome the opportunity. “It’s an incredibly humbling responsibility that we know we’re taking on,” Rinaberger said. “We understand and respect the legacy of McArthur’s, and we certainly won’t mess with that. We’ll just enhance it.”