Great Harvest Bread Co., based in Dillon, Montana, has received the "Best for Vets" distinction in the 2014-2015 rankings by Military Times. The honor recognizes Great Harvest's commitment to providing opportunities for American veterans.

The organization is comprised of the Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times and Marine Corps Times and focuses on financial incentives, brand performance, and policies that cater to veterans and reservists when conducting and scoring the Best for Vets: Franchises survey.  It is a highly respected, nearly 110-question analysis of a franchise’s efforts to provide veterans an environment for success.

Great Harvest was ranked #32 in the list of franchise companies, which also included CruiseOne, Molly Maid, and 7-Eleven Franchising.  Great Harvest is a “Freedom Franchise” which allows for local ownership and for bakery owners the freedom to make their bakery one-of-a-kind. The franchise currently offers a 15 percent discount on initial fees for a new bakery to any current or honorably served United States serviceman who controls at least 50 percent of the bread company.

“We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to providing entrepreneurial opportunities to hundreds of franchise owners across the country, including American veterans,” says Great Harvest CEO Mike Ferretti. “All of us at Great Harvest are tremendously grateful for the courage of our nation's military.”

Great Harvest bakeries grind premium Montana wheat berries using a classic stone mill into whole-wheat flour daily to ensure freshness and flavor. It’s the fresh-ground flour that gives Great Harvest bread its rich taste, nutrients, and density. The bread also does not contain preservatives, additives, or dough conditioners.

“As with all of the Best for Vets rankings, Best for Vets: Franchises is an editorially independent news project that evaluates the many factors that make an organization a good fit for military veterans and spouses,” says Amanda Miller, editor of Military Times EDGE magazine.