Hostess Brands going out of business, Twinkies sell fast - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The makers of Wonder Bread and popular snack cakes, including Twinkies, says it's going out of business.

Hostess Brands announced Friday that it can't afford to weather an extended strike by its union employees.

Thousands of unionized bakers struck Hostess last week after rejecting a contract that would have slashed wages and benefits.

The company told a bankruptcy judge that it will sell all of its facilities putting more than 18,000 people out of work.

The 30 people who work at the Wonder Bread Bakery Outlet on Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown say they haven't received official word on their future. The outlet said Twinkies and other baked goods were hot sellers after word spread Friday.

The Sparkle Market in Warren receives about three shipments from the company a week.

Shoppers were surprised and saddened to hear the popular dessert aisle treats could vanish.

"I thought everybody loves Hostess cakes, doesn't matter whether it's Twinkies or not," Rebekah Haynes said.

While there's no buyer waiting in the wings to rescue the company, interest in some of its 30 brands may bring a sweeter ending, at least to fans of the sweet treats.