The “Bun Lady’s” Recipe for Success: From Single Mom to Bakery Empire w/ Cordia Harrington

This week on Arroyo Grande, Raymond sits down with Cordia Harrington — Founder & Co-Chair of Crown Bakeries Cos., and the legendary “Bun Lady” behind billions of buns for McDonald’s, Burger King, Five Guys, Trader Joe’s, and more. Her rise from single mother of three to one of the richest self-made women in America is a story of grit, faith, and unstoppable determination. Cordia shares how she went from selling real estate to owning McDonald’s franchises, then took a massive leap at age 43 — selling her stores and taking out a multimillion-dollar loan to build what became Crown Bakeries. She reveals why recessions can be the best time to start a business, what kept her pushing after 31 rejections, and how prayer and persistence guided every breakthrough. From surviving near-disaster in her bakery to building a family-centered company rooted in integrity and opportunity, Cordia’s story is packed with wisdom for anyone chasing a dream at any age. 🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations: Arroyo Grande, available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and everywhere you listen, watch & stream.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.