Executive Bios

The Worthington’s endeavor led them to study at both the American Institute of Baking and the San Francisco Baking Institute, where they trained with industry professionals in mastering the use of world class levains, pure ingredients and baking environments for their unique hearth breads. Following their studies, the Worthington’s worked closely with Lehi Roller Mills in their home state of Utah, to develop an exclusive flour blend for the their unique breads. The proprietary flour was rated as one of the highest quality blends among European flours by the San Francisco Baking Institute. Knowing they needed the right tools to create genuine artisan breads, the Worthington’s imported their first hearthstone, steam infusion oven from Verona, Italy and in 1997 the first Kneaders Bakery and Café was opened in Orem, Utah.

20 years later, the Worthington’s are still serving their original nine European hearth breads made from the exclusive Lehi Roller Mills flour blend, along with 42 handmade pastries, a variety of fresh salads and mouthwatering soups all made in-house daily. Kneaders has become one of the fastest growing companies in Utah, expanding its reach to over 56 locations in six Western states. Kneaders has received numerous local and state awards, including Best of State breakfast, best sandwich, best baked goods and best pastries. The company has also received awards from Mountain West Capital Network Utah 100, Utah Business Magazine, Fast Fifty and has been featured in QSR Magazine among many other publications. The Worthington’s are still actively involved in day-to-day operations at their corporate headquarters in Orem, UT. Colleen Worthington’s added touch of offering themed boutique retail items, home décor, seasonal decorations and beautiful gift baskets has made the restaurants a favorite spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner among Kneaders customers.

Worthington’s primary responsibilities include the development and management of internal systems including those implemented at the store-level to create efficiencies and processes, as well as customer-facing systems, such as online ordering and application development which continue to build brand loyalty. Worthington also manages the brand’s supply chain, building a system which has effectively scaled with and enabled the rapid growth of the company.

Worthington earned his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Utah and Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. James is a recipient of the first annual Rising Star Award from the University of Utah Eccles School of Business, was named the 9th Annual 2017 Golden Bridge Awards® ‘Food & Beverage Industry Executive of the Year’, and was a silver winner in the Executive of the Year—Medium Company category in the Best in Biz Awards 2017 (the only independent business awards program judged each year by prominent editors and reporters from top-tier publications in North America). James has been featured in industry publications such as; QSR, Franchising.com, Franchise Times, Utah Valley Magazine and Utah Business Magazine, along with appearances on FOX, NBC, CBS and ABC affiliate stations across Kneaders markets. When James is not at the office, he can be seen coaching youth soccer for his children, wakeboarding, skiing, spending time with his wife, and enjoying the adventure of building his family’s legacy with the brand he loves.

In 2000, he joined the Kneaders corporate team where his thorough understanding of the operational procedures and policies enabled him to develop programs and implement strategies which have led the company to a 58 store expansion and a 500 percent growth in revenue from 2010-2016. Vincent manages all financial and technological systems, as well as oversees company expansion including the development and construction process of each new restaurant.

When not at the office, Vincent can be found riding his dirt bike on one of Utah’s many challenging motocross courses, supporting his two daughters at their volleyball games, and spending time with his wife, Tami.