First RYKRISP production a success…more work to do. 37


We try to keep our fans updated on success and challenges.  This week had both.  We had our first full-scale production, and were successful with baking.  Packaging proved a challenge as we hadn’t focused as much on that in this phase, and it is the next priority.  Additionally, we’ll have to start thinking about following up production of our natural product with seasoned and sesame.  All this takes more time than we want it to, but there is no substitute for a deliberate approach to doing things right.  Here is a pic of our first pallet in preparation to head out the door.  Hooray!DSC_3497DSC_3497

The first pallet of finished productThe first pallet of finished product

 


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37 thoughts on “First RYKRISP production a success…more work to do.

    • tleavitt Post author

      Don – We’re probably going to have to push that order date back by a month while we push out some other orders and focus on “natural”, the first item we’ve produced. Will keep everyone posted.

    • tleavitt Post author

      Working on the ordering via website as we speak. MN and WI should be very early markets for us, though when they stock up is somewhat dependent on the retailers. The mid-sized retailers have been very supportive. Thx for being a fan. Ted

  • Tom Wyszkowski

    I wish you would manufacture RyKrisp for Diabeitics low carb diet.
    Or another rye product.. I enjoy rye the most.
    As a diabetic it is extreamly hard to find low carb snacks.

    • tleavitt Post author

      Tom – diabetics have told us that the standard product is great for folks with the condition. Our marketing focus is more holistic, focusing on health, fitness, diet, nutrition, and the outdoors, but we’d certainly market more specifically to this segment where appropriate. Any and all feedback welcome! Ted

    • tleavitt Post author

      Swedish by way of Minneapolis. The first RYKRISP-inspired crackers were baked by a baker in St. Paul back in 1898 – I am sure inspired by direct or indirect influence of Scandinavia.

  • David

    Good deal. We have one package left and a few crackers in the pantry. We bought everything we could get our hands on. …dbg

  • Joan Hurley

    Was wondering why I hadn’t seen RYKRISP on the store shelves in quite awhile.
    Just read about the plant closure… COME BACK, RYKRISP!

    • tleavitt Post author

      Joan, You obviously hadn’t been buying enough since it’s been more than a year now. Thanks for being a fan. We’re working through some manufacturing issues to get to consumer quality but are on the case. All the best, Ted

    • tleavitt Post author

      Sharon – The product isn’t yet back on the shelves. When we bought the brand, we had to develop a new manufacturing location. We’d hoped to be up and running sooner than this, but have run into some problems with the location we picked. We’re working on that. I guess we should all “expect the unexpected” with these types of things. If you’ve signed up for updates, you’ll be first to know when available. It will take us awhile to get on store shelves but the product will be able to be purchased directly. Thanks for the interest. Ted Leavitt

    • tleavitt Post author

      The short answer is you can’t get it yet. When we bought the brand, we had to develop a new manufacturing location. We’d hoped to be up and running sooner than this, but have run into some problems with the location we picked. We’re working on that. I guess we should all “expect the unexpected” with these types of things. If you’ve signed up for updates, you’ll be first to know when available. It will take us awhile to get on store shelves but the product will be able to be purchased directly. Thanks for the interest. Ted Leavitt

  • Richard LOve

    We’re waiting out here in LA for you to get it together so we can order.

    RYKRISP is a brand we’ve loved our entire lives, and were stunned that it went out of production! What happened?

    • tleavitt Post author

      Richard, ConAgra didn’t quite have the love (pardon the pun) for the brand that we and you do. They were planning to shut it down last January which is when we bought the brand but not the manufacturing. That part has proven more difficult than anticipated and is why we are not yet back in market. We thought we had it but our current co-packer can’t produce the retail product we need. We’re on the case, and if you’ve signed up for updates, you’ll be first to know when and how to get it. Many thanks for the support. Ted Leavitt

    • tleavitt Post author

      Pat – Here’s the scoop about where we’ve been and where we are. ConAgra didn’t quite have the love (pardon the pun) for the brand that we and you do. They were planning to shut it down last January which is when we bought the brand but not the manufacturing. That part has proven more difficult than anticipated and is why we are not yet back in market. We thought we had it but our current co-packer can’t produce the retail product we need. We’re on the case, and if you’ve signed up for updates, you’ll be first to know when and how to get it. Many thanks for the support. Ted Leavitt

  • Nick Davidson

    Hey Ted ,
    I’m super excited to see Ry-Krisp is still moving forward
    I’m Nick Davidson I was one of the 13 remaining employees still at Ry-Krisp when they closed . I still remember working on the A line as you did your walk through with the investors . I had planned on retiring with Ry- Krisp in about 2035 lol I took great pride in making a great product . Was wondering if you would be open to a tour of the Chicago facility in August when I come to Chicago . Thank you for your input sincerely Nick Davidson a true Ry-Krisp family member

    • tleavitt Post author

      Nick – Great to hear from you. That was my partner Ed Slanga who you saw walking through the plant back in 2015. I’d love to have you tour Chicago when down there, but as you might have noticed from recent posts, we’re having issues with producing there and are trying to figure the alternative. Thus, we’re not producing there at the moment. Stay posted and we’d love to get you in our facility at a time of mutual convenience. Thanks for getting in touch! Ted

  • Christina Eyre

    I can not wait! I have tried many other crackers since production stopped. Nothing comes close. I had just thought stores in Rochester, MN didn’t carry your product. Now I know why and am relieved to know my RYKRISP is on its way back. I especially like them in Turkey Burgers.

  • Audrey Trauner

    Went looking for RYRKISP the other day on grocery shelf and couldn’t find it. So looked on internet, of course. I am sorry the company closed but I am assuming from your site that you are manufacturing the product again. I am delighted.

    • tleavitt Post author

      Not quite back yet, but sign up for updates and you’ll be kept abreast of our getting back in action. We bought the brand from ConAgra, who did in fact, close the business last year. Our plan has been to bring it back, and it’s taken us a bit longer than expected. Thx for the support.

  • John Peterson

    I can’t wait! When can we order? Where can we order? My wife just discovered 5 RYKRIPS that we had saved , and I’m enjoying one now.

    • tleavitt Post author

      That’s an obscure find. Congrats! If you’ve signed up for updates, you’ll be first to know when and where to get them again. Many thanks for the support. Ted Leavitt

  • Mary Conklin

    I am so sad that there is no more RYKRISP. I can’t wait til I can get it again. It is the mainstay for my diet. The crunch and taste I just what I need. Does it do any good to try to order ahead for the seasoned and how long do you anticipate it will be for production. Mary

    • tleavitt Post author

      Mary, We’d like to think “RYKRISP is not currently available” vs “No more RYKRISP :-(” We’re on the case…some unexpected challenges causing delays but we’ll get there. Our suggestion is to sign up for updates on the website and you’ll be first to know when we’re back in action and able to order then. Thanks! Ted Leavitt