Free Republic

The world's largest producer of mozzarella is closing one of its dairy plants in California due to the state's sky high operating costs. Leprino Foods, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, supplies cheese for fast-food pizza restaurants, including Domino's, Pizza Hut and Papa John's. For the last 115 years, the plant has operated in Lemoore, a small town deep within California's rural Central Valley. But now more than a century of history is coming to a close, with an estimated 300 people set to lose their jobs when the plan shutters early next year. To give people time to find new employment,...

AN AVALANCHE OF CHEESE pours into the test kitchen at the Denver headquarters of Leprino Foods, the mozzarella supplier to Pizza Hut, Domino's and Papa John's. First, thin wisps of low-moisture mozzarella, then a diced alternative, followed by an "artisanal" version, cut short and wide. Then come flavored cheeses made with a mozzarella base, as well as provolone, cheddar and Monterey Jack. Cooks bring out a take-and-bake pizza, a New York-style pie and a stuffed crust, fresh from nearly a dozen ovens. Another course features frozen food made with Leprino products, including ham-and-cheddar Hot Pockets, Stouffer's lasagna and Smart Ones...