MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. – Mt. Olive Pickle Company marked a significant milestone in its nearly century-long history with the ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Pickle Parlor located at 109 N. Center Street Mount Olive, NC, celebrating both the company’s growth and its deep community roots.

CEO and President Bobby Frye, a fourth-generation family member leading the company, addressed the crowd of employees, shareholders, and community members gathered for the event. The ceremony highlighted the remarkable transformation of a small regional business into a global food manufacturing powerhouse.

“When I came here over 44 years ago, we were in three states, and I say the plant was held together with sailing wire,” Frye recalled during his remarks. “I looked at this facility, and I said, Dad, I just can’t do this. But anyway, I stayed.”

That decision proved transformative. Under Frye’s leadership alongside longtime partner Bill, the company has expanded from serving three states to operating in all 50 states, with products now reaching international markets including Aruba. The company operates 14 facilities and employs more than 1,400 people.

The growth has been substantial. Frye noted that an account that once outsold Mt. Olive Pickle Company by 30 times now trails the company by $140 million in sales. The company has achieved the distinction of being the world’s largest pickled pepper relish brand.

“We’re all over the world with Five Guys, and we’re the largest pickled pepper relish brand in the world,” Frye said, reflecting on the company’s international reach through partnerships with major restaurant chains.

The Mt. Olive Pickle Company’s roots run deep in the community, tracing back to 1933 when Frye’s grandmother served as the company’s original salesperson. His father later worked as a sales manager, and now Frye’s son continues the family tradition as one of the company’s sales managers.

“We were founded as a community proposition for the betterment of this community,” Frye emphasized. “Our core values are that we’re here for our people and for the communities that we serve.”

The new Pickle Parlor represents the company’s commitment to giving back to the community that has supported its growth. As the company prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, Frye stressed the importance of maintaining its independence and community focus.

“We aim to continue to do what we’re doing, serve our communities, continue to grow, and continue to be the best brand of pickles, peppers, and relish sold in the world,” Frye concluded.

The ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated not only the new facility but also honored past employees who contributed to the company’s success. Frye paid tribute to former teammates, many of whom have passed away, acknowledging their role in building the company’s foundation.

The event drew attendance from current employees, shareholders, and community members, demonstrating the strong local support that has characterized Mt. Olive Pickle Company throughout its nearly 100-year history.

As the company looks toward its centennial celebration, the Pickle Parlor stands as a symbol of Mt. Olive Pickle Company’s commitment to its hometown community while maintaining its position as a major player in the global food industry.