MAITLAND, Pa. (WHTM) — A snack staple of the Juniata Valley is changing hands after more than nine decades in the same family.

The Hartley’s Potato Chip Company, based Derry Township near Lewistown, has been sold, Dan Hartley and Kellie Johnson announced recently.

“As we step into this next chapter, we are grateful for the generations of customers, employees, and community members who have supported Hartley’s,” said siblings Dan and Kellie. “This company has been part of our family and our community’s identity for decades. Passing that legacy on is something we take great pride in.”

Bill French is the new owner. He owns Wood-Mode, a cabinet manufacturer in Kreamer, Snyder County.

“I am very pleased to share that both Dan Hartley and Kellie Johnson will remain as part of the Hartley’s operations, ensuring the same quality and taste of every chip packed at the facility,” French said.

“Bill shares our deep appreciation for what makes Hartley’s special,” the siblings said. “His dedication to preserving Hartley’s authentic recipes, small-batch process, and uncompromising standards gives us confidence that the brand will continue to thrive for decades to come.”

French plans to modernize production, expand regional distribution, and strengthen customer engagement while maintaining the company’s authenticity.

“Knowing that our customers can expect the same great taste, the same old-fashioned craftsmanship, and the same commitment to quality means everything to us,” the Hartley’s added. “Hartley’s has always been more than just a great potato chip—it’s a piece of Pennsylvania snack history. We’re proud to see that tradition continue.”

The company was founded in 1935 by Mr. and Mrs. J. Irvin Hartley and has remained in the family for 91 years. They operate a manufacturing plant in the Maitland section of Derry Township, about five miles east of Lewistown.

Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV devices, and newer Samsung Smart TVs.

A staple of the region, Hartley’s Potato Chips is at the center of a Lewistown New Year’s Eve tradition: the chip drop.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.