Indianapolis says goodbye to their favorite Hostess treats

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Hostess has been in business for more than 80 years, but the iconic baked goods company will close its doors , shutting down plants in Indianapolis and Columbus, leaving more than 800 Hoosiers out of work.

Hostess outlet stores are a place many people come to get their favorite baked goods. Now that the company is closing up shop not only will the stores close, but favorites like Twinkies will be yanked from the shelves.

“I grew up with cupcakes and Twinkies, but now I'm eating Donettes and I can't believe they're going off the shelf,” says a Hostess fan Chuck Wallis.

PHOTOS | Hostess strike, products across Indiana

Grocery chains like Kroger are planning ahead for when their shelves are empty. Some stores put out their entire Hostess stock the day the closing was announced and already there are empty spaces from shoppers rushing to get their beloved treats.

“I think we all  have stories, you know we were talking about peanut butter sandwiches on Wonder Bread as kids and I have that same memory,” explains John Elliott the Public Relations Manager for Kroger.

John Elliott says, the company will fill the shelves once Hostess is gone, with its own brand of similar baked goods.

“They won't miss out, it tastes just as good, they might miss the particular brand identity,” says Elliott.

That holds true for many Hostess fans, nothing will take its place.

“Well I'm 66 years old they've been around as far as long as I can remember, so I'm really disturbed they're closing down,” says Wallis. “I thought I would come over and buy a couple of Donettes before they go off the shelf,”

John Elliott says, the Hostess brand is on the high end of baked goods, but Kroger's brand is set up on a three tier quality level, that way they're able to make a close substitute for shoppers. Right now Kroger does not make a Twinkie substitute, but Elliott says the company is already looking into making a duplicate.