About Uncle Wally
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How it all began...
Founded by Wally "Famous" Amos and Lou Avignone, Uncle Wally's is the #1 branded, in-store bakery muffin manufacturer in the United States and, overall, one of the top muffin makers in the country.
The company's roots date back to 1993 when Wally, internationally known as the father of the gourmet chocolate chip cookie industry, made his return to baking and hit the airwaves to pitch his new venture. Long Island businessman and grocery distributor Lou Avignone heard Wally on a local radio talk show. Inspired by his story and his strong spirit, Lou contacted Wally at the radio station. Before long, Uncle Wally's muffin company was born!
Initially, with America's tastes shifting towards healthier foods, the company focused on its assortment of Fat Free Muffins, which were sold primarily throughout the Northeast. In the years since, Uncle Wally's product line has grown to include a whole family of muffins. The selection now provides vast choices, from deliciously indulgent Rich & Moist Muffins to absolutely healthful Sugar Free, Fiber One and, of course, Fat Free Muffins. And the company has taken a leadership position in the development of portion-control products, rapidly gaining favor as consumers become more knowledgeable about well-balanced nutrition plans. Smaller Snack Muffins and Smart Portion Muffins have already joined the family, with additional innovative products coming soon.
Today, our muffins are sold in more than 10,000 stores nationwide.
Did you know...Wally Amos opened the world’s first cookie store in Los Angeles in 1975 and has used his fame to support many philanthropic and educational causes close to his heart, especially in the area of literacy. He was National Spokesman for Literacy Volunteers of America from 1979 to 2002, and serves on the boards of the National Center for Family Literacy, Read to Me International, and Communities in Schools. Wally is also the founder of the Read it LOUD! Foundation, a coalition that believes it is critical to vigorously promote the concept of parents reading aloud to young children daily, especially in the educationally formative years from birth thru age six. Wally and an astonishing lineup of partners recognize that parents are still a child’s first and most influential teachers.
Did you know...Wally Amos has been the recipient of many honors and awards over the years, including the President's Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence and the National Literacy Honors Award. He was inducted into the Babson College Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs, and he presented the Smithsonian Institute's Business Americana Collection with iconic memorabilia from his pioneering days in the gourmet cookie business. A high school dropout who received his GED while in the Air Force, Wally received an honorary Doctorate in Education from Johnson & Wales University.
Did you know...Wally Amos remains one of the country’s most popular motivational speakers and has recently published his ninth inspirational work, Watermelon Credo: The Book. All of his endeavors, from cookies and muffins, to encouraging words that lead to more positive lives, to tireless efforts on behalf of literacy, fall under the banner of Wally’s Recipes for Life. To learn more, go to www.WallyAmos.com.