Frying High: How Henny Penny Is Heating Up Preble County's Economy

As the world gears up to celebrate National Fried Chicken Day on July 6, Eaton, Ohio-based Henny Penny is serving more than sizzle; it's serving a serious economic impact.

Every Day is Fried Chicken Day at Henny Penny

When your equipment powers the kitchens of KFC, Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, and Zaxby's, it's safe to say you've earned your spot at the head of the table. But for Henny Penny, headquartered in Eaton, Ohio, since 1957, the real story isn't just about feeding the world; it's about investing in the community it calls home.

With over 1,000 employee-owners, Henny Penny is one of the largest employers in Preble County and a true force behind the local economy. And on National Fried Chicken Day, there's no better time to celebrate the company that helps restaurants across the globe deliver crispy perfection.

From Preble County to Everywhere 

Every time you order hot, crispy chicken from some of the biggest food service brands in the world—think Wendy's, Taco Bell, Whole Foods, or even IKEA—there's a very high probability that the food was cooked with Henny Penny equipment. The company is known for quality, consistency, and solutions tailored to each customer, from pressure fryers to combi ovens to advanced holding equipment.

But while the impact of Henny Penny equipment spans more than 100 countries, the company's heart remains right here in Eaton.

New Facility, New Chapter

In 2024, Henny Penny took a bold step forward by opening its brand-new Global Services Center, a 12,000-square-foot facility dedicated to supporting the company's expanding international footprint. This investment clearly signals the company's long-term commitment to Eaton and the surrounding region.

More than just bricks and mortar, the expansion represents more jobs, resources, and opportunities for Preble County residents. It also positions Henny Penny to continue leading the way in foodservice innovation.

Employee-Owned, Community-Focused

Since becoming an employee-owned company in 2014, Henny Penny has focused on what matters most: people. That ownership mindset fuels a culture of accountability, innovation, and community pride. It also means that when Henny Penny grows, Eaton grows, too.

The company's talent, technology, and infrastructure investment translates into economic stability for local families and growth opportunities for suppliers, schools, and small businesses across the region.

Why Henny Penny is Important for Preble County 

Henny Penny is a global brand built on local roots. Preble County benefits with every expansion, innovation, and fryer shipped to a new corner of the world.

And as National Fried Chicken Day reminds us of the delicious comfort food that brings people together, it's also a moment to recognize the companies behind the scenes, like Henny Penny, that make it all possible.

So whether you're biting into a drumstick or driving past the Henny Penny campus in Eaton, remember: the sizzle you hear isn't just cooking. It's the sound of a community on the rise.

This July 6, raise a drumstick to the company that keeps fried chicken golden, crispy, and globally loved while keeping Preble County strong.

Preble County Development Partnership

At Preble County Development Partnership, we provide comprehensive support for all your business needs. Our mission is to advance economic development by providing access to local, regional, and state resources. We support business retention, new business recruitment, marketing, community outreach, and workforce development, ensuring you have all the tools for success. Located within the prosperity triangle of Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis, PCDP offers a desirable quality of life with lower costs.

Contact us today to discover how we can help your business succeed.