Having spent the last two weeks working the production lines and finding out what works well and what doesn’t, we’re sorry to announce that we’ve got to move the retail launch back until we’re more ready. We don’t yet know that date.
Over the past two weeks, we’ve produced over 500,000 crackers of our “Natural” variety, which is the one that goes to zoos, where patrons feed them to certain hoofed animals. It’s a great way for us to work on the product, sell it, and make people happy at the same time (those that feed the animals). We’ve been working with a select group of zoos and deer farms to gain this learning. Unfortunately we have yet to be able to meet all the orders we have received.
The biggest issue we are having is with our packing operation and some oven variability. Packing isn’t automated and labor staffing in today’s market can be a challenge, and it is certainly so for us. Next up we also want to start serving our foodservice business where we’ve now got a 2-pack line. We absolutely want to get retail going ASAP, but adequate preparation is always important.
As such, we’ve got a few internet orders that have already been place (eager folks jumping the guns), and we’ll refund that money and keep everyone posted on further progress. We do receive the occasional comment about “I’m losing interest because this takes so long.” I can assure you that we don’t delay on purpose and are working to the best of our abilities to bring RYKRISP back to market.
Thanks for your support and we look forward to bringing better news next time! Included below are a couple of pictures of interest — two of our manufacturing operation so you have a better perspective and one of our foodservice cracker pack, which we hope to get going soon as well.
RYKRISP foodservice pack (new packaging)
Front end of the RYKRISP manufacturing operation
Back end of the RYKRISP operation – manual packing at the moment.
P.S. to my other note. It looks like you plan to round off the corners…hope that doesn’t increase cost of mfg. I called to offer encouragement a year or so ago, when first noticed disappearance from the shelves. Had a brief pleasant chat with someone……perhaps ’twas Ted.
Donald – ’twas I. No plans to round off corners. Current plan is straight on two sides and 45-degree angle on 2 as before. We are struggling with getting our consumer quality to where we are happy with it to launch. We’re working on the manufacturing capability to make that happen. Time and effort. Ugh! Thanks for maintaining interest. Ted
I do miss RYKRISP and my wife says the substitutes are getting hard to find. I can buy Hard Tack 80 miles away at a Scandinavian store.
Larry – hoping to get the real thing back soon, but we can’t confirm a date as we are working through some manufacturing transition issues at the moment. Will advise everyone as soon as we’ve solved that. Thanks for the interest in our product! Ted Leavitt
My Husband and I have loved RYKRISP for many years. Not being able to find them in the store we were afraid they had stopped being made.
Working on fixing that problem! Thx, Ted Leavitt
I miss my RYKRISP!!! Have eaten them for decades and just finished off my last box. So sad. 🙁
Hope you can bring them back.
Charlotte
We will. It’s a matter of time. Signing up for updates will keep you posted of developments. Many thanks! Ted Leavitt
Any other rye cracker does not compare with RYKRISP and I feel I have tried them all! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that production (for the human consumer) will soon be a reality!!! I see your company is in Ohio now?
The “seasoned” RYKRISP is what I’m craving. Losing a favorite brand makes me feel the ‘food reality’ of a zombie apocalypse…
Carol – you comments are along the line of a recent GEICO ad. working to avoid the zombie apocalypse. Thx, Ted Leavitt
I am so glad I pulled up your website; it seems forever that I have been searching for my favorite cracker in any store I go into, with no avail. Alas, I learn you had stopped production to market in an effort fix some glitches. I cannot wait until they are back on the shelves, no other is better than the RYKRISP. Thanks for keeping us informed.
To be fair, ConAgra stopped production in 2015 and we’ve been trying to get them going. In our start-up we realized we needed to slow down and change facilities. That’s what we’re working on at the moment. There is never a shortage of challenges in working with a new business! (new to us).
Thank you so much for working to bringing back this favorite – when they disappeared, I couldn’t believe it! Best cracker out there for cheese & hearty enough to stand alone. RYKRISP flavor & texture was always better than the designer brands. I’ll be checking back!
Thanks for the good word! Ted
I for one can’t wait for your product to reenter the Consumer Market. Several years ago I discovered I was allergic to the processing chemicals associated with wheat and have to avoid almost all wheat related products. The weight loss is great, but I miss snacking on crackers, cookies, etc. I have discovered another brand of Rye based crackers but being from Europe, they are a bit expensive. Hope things get better for you.
I’m not sure we’ll be less expensive (probably not) as we are processed with plenty of TLC, but hoping you think our taste is differentiated. Glad they can work out well for you and hope to be back sooner rather than later. Ted Leavitt
Today in the back of a cupboard I found two unopened packages of RYKRISP from a box I bought earlier this year. That led to finding your web site, after I learned their plant was suddenly closed. Thanks so much for bringing RYKRISP back, it is the best!
Thanks for being a fan. It sounds like a scene from Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road” where someone finds the food. We’ve had some recent challenges in getting going as noted here but will update everyone as soon as we resolve them, and resolve them we will. Thx, Ted Leavitt
Bring them back to market. Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
a dieters delight.
Killing RYKRISP is Unamerican!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chuck, Truer words have rarely been spoken. Thanks for the good word. Ted Leavitt
any word on the FOODSERVICE 2 packs ?
Kevin – thanks for asking. Foodservice 2-packs are tied up with all the other goings-on at the moment. We are trying to sort out our current supplier situation/disengagement to figure the next steps in our journey. That being said, we have the foodservice 2-pack machine waiting to go and the wrap, so we can supply from the get-go. What is your need for? Thanks for your patience and interest. Ted Leavitt
I want to by RYKRISP where can I find it in Minneapolis, MN.????
I love this product and want to buy more. I have been including RYKRISP in my lunchs for 50 years. Help me find my favorite snack. Cindy
Cindy, Glad you found us here. I hope you’re up to date on why the product isn’t yet on store shelves based on the updates here (the latest from December 1st) and have signed up for updates. That way you’ll be the first to be updated when we’re back and where. Minneapolis as the original home market will obviously be a first port of call. Thanks for being a fan for so long. Ted Leavitt
For the past year I have been unable to find my favorite seasoned RYKRISP crackers anywhere! Was afraid you had gone out of business so I was happy to learn different! I don’t eat bread much & your Seasoned RYKRISP have been my staple replacement. Where & when can I buy them again?
Thank-you,
Kaye
I think you see from the update that we’re currently not available. I presume you’ve signed up for updates, and we’ll keep you posted that way. You’ll be first to know. Thanks for keeping the faith! Ted
Patiently waiting until we can eat the very best cracker in the world again.
~The Cox Family
I can reread “very best cracker in the world” many times, and that helps make our day. Thanks! Ted Leavitt
We can’t live without RYKRISP crackers!! Can’t find them anywhere. Why did you stop making them? When will your company come to their senses & make them available to us SOON!!
Linda – We trust you’ve read the updates. It’s not us “not trying to make them”. We’re in litigation due to our co-packer seizing critical production equipment when we decided to move and they decided they wanted to be paid more than any contract specified. As a small manufacturer, we can’t afford to just pay someone to go away, and thus we are fighting for what we think is right. Hope you’ve signed up for updates and we’ll keep you posted as things develop. Thanks. Ted Leavitt
I live in Howell,MI, can you tell me were I can purchase your product.
Looking for the seasoned or sesame Ry Krisp crackers.
Thank you for your help.
have a great day.
Mike,
We trust you’ve read the updates (last one 12/1) that tell you where we are and why you can’t yet order directly. Hoping you’ve signed up, too, for updates, and we’ll keep you posted on any significant developments. Apologies for the inconvenience, but such is life as a small business trying to make progress. All the best, Ted Leavitt