The following is an excerpt from an October 27th, 2019 press release from counsel working with RyKrisp. We have edited it (the parts in parentheses) because the name of the contract manufacturer is unimportant to the discussion. It gives a good summary of what has transpired. None of us at RyKrisp yet know what the future brings, but this is a good start, and we want to thank all RyKrisp cracker fans for their support to date.
Thompson Coburn secures $8.3 million victory for RyKrispTM cracker owner
On October 22, Thompson Coburn attorneys succeeded in securing an $8.3 million verdict from a Cook County jury in favor of Firm client RyKrisp, LLC in a dispute between the rye cracker producer and (its contract manufacturer). RyKrisp LLC owns the iconic RyKrispTM cracker that has been on grocery shelves for over 125 years. The judgment ensures that RyKrisp will recover damages and lost profits following (the) conversion of RyKrisp’s equipment and tortious efforts to interfere with RyKrisp’s business.
The matter originated with an unsuccessful business arrangement between the parties. After purchasing the intellectual property and brand of the 125-year old cracker from ConAgra in May 2015, RyKrisp soon began exploring a long-term manufacturing agreement with (its contract manufacturer). Once this business relationship proved unsuccessful due to a number of issues, RyKrisp found a replacement manufacturer and entered an agreement.
On July 12, 2016, (the contract manufacturer) took the equipment from RyKrisp’s storage facility and demanded payment of $100,000 or the equipment would be sold. Following the conversion, RyKrisp filed a complaint seeking a replevin order. (The contract manufacturer) finally returned the equipment in June 2017, but after returning the equipment, (their) CEO contacted RyKrisp’s new manufacturer and coerced them into ceasing production for RyKrisp–resulting in (substantial) lost profits.
During the week-long trial, (the contract manufacturer) attempted to argue that it had a right to take possession of the equipment and denied their communications with RyKrisp’s new manufacturer amounted to tortious interference. Thompson Coburn trial attorneys, successfully sank the claims by demonstrating (the defendant) wrongfully detained the equipment. Then, the team illustrated (their) deliberate attempt to coerce RyKrisp’s new manufacturer into abandoning their contract with RyKrisp, resulting in (substantial) lost profits.
After 8 hours of deliberation, the jury entered judgment in favor of RyKrisp, granting both claims for damages and denied all but one of (the defendant’s) claims.
“This is an incredibly satisfying day. By awarding this huge punitive damage award of $6 million, the jury sent a clear message that the conduct deliberately taken by (the) defendant, in seizing and holding equipment that RyKrisp owned and interfering with RyKrisp’s contract with another baking facility will not be tolerated” said Todd Rowden, RyKrisp’s lead trial attorney and Thompson Coburn partner. “They sent an unmistakable powerful message.”
So will RyKrisp be back on grocery shelves soon? If so, when?
Linda – Collection of the verdict is the first step, but it’s a good first step. Thx! Ted L
I bought rye flour to make my own crackers. I’m that desperate in Minneapolis, home of Rye Krisp. As Linda said, above, when can we expect to see RyKrisp in stores?
Tish – love that email address. Don’t yet know the answer to that question. We are working very hard on collecting our judgment to fund getting back. Thanks for the interest. We’re working on it! Ted L
Hoping this means seasoned RYKRISP will be available again!!!! Have really missed them!!!
Please let me know if so!
Thx
We continue to be on the case. Thanks for the words of support. Ted Leavitt
I’m 77 years old. Born in Minneapolis. My paternal grandfather grew up in Schafer MN. I spent many days with my grandfather enjoying the RyKrisp with sardines and milk. I always used to remember my grandfather every time I ate those crackers with pickled herring or sardines. The great crime is destroying memories. Sniff.
Minnesota – home turf. We all understand these types of stories. Thanks for sharing. Ted L
Please bring back the seasoned RyKrisp cracker, I can’t find it anywhere.
Pam – Hasn’t been around for a number of years due to the legal issues outlined in the updates. We’re working on the legal financial recovery now – where the needed $$ are. Thanks for being a fan. We are big ones!
Yahoo! Can’t wait until you start cranking out the seasoned crackers! I’m buying a case of them and sliced cheese and have a party!
Kim – still work to do on our end, but thanks for the enthusiasm! Ted L
Personally I think the contract manufacturer got off easy. Because of the shady and dishonest action the amount should have been doubled.
Dale – Thanks for the sentiment. It is impressive to what a jury at work, as they take their obligations very seriously. We certainly trust them to have derived a well-thought decision. Appreciate the support! Ted Leavitt
Congratulations!
Thanks! Ted Leavitt
Dennis – glad you found us. Here is where the updates will come from Best, Ted Leavitt
Wonderful news, congratulations on a successful case resolution! Looking forward to buying lots of RyKrisp very soon!
Carl – “Very soon” may be a bit optimistic. Based on our collection efforts since the trial, we’ve got work to do to collect. Companies tend not to write these checks the next day 🙂 . Thanks for your support. Ted Leavitt
I’m in Bradenton, Florida. Where can I get Rykrisp? I love them. Elaine Vorreyer
Elaine – we’ve been out of business for a few years due to litigation, which we just won. That being said, there are a bunch of steps/hurdles to getting the pieces back together. This is a good port of call for updates, and thanks for being a fan. Ted Leavitt
I’ve loved RYKRISP for 60 years. The new rye crackers don’t taste like RYKRISP. Can’t wait till you can make them again!!!!!!
Roger – Thanks for the support over all those years. Certainly working on the case. Ted Leavitt
with this victory delicousness will soon be at hand!
Raymond – Collection seems as difficult as winning but we’re on the case. Thanks for the words of encouragement. Ted L
good news! a step forward
One Day at a Time!
understandably still a long way to go
I still have faith
Grandma introduced me to RyKrisp 60 years ago, I liked them but until couple years ago never like rye bread, I can’t figure that out now mostly eat dark or dill Rye over all other bread. Waiting for that special taste of RyKrisp patiently.
Take care
Paul
Missed RYKRISP over Christmas. We always have it. Our family loves them the most. We also always have them at the cabin. My grandma and grandpa ate them with smoked oysters.
(the next generations haven’t shared the love for that combo but we all love RYKRISP) Thanks for working on this!
Heather – Thanks for sharing. Ted L
Any updates? Still patiently waiting to be able to buy RyKrisp again – thanks!
Very best wishes for the new year. I miss them and wish you and your team every success in bringing RyKrisp back to your loyal customers. Ready to order the first case 🙂
Daniel
Daniel – Thanks for the New Year’s wish! Ted L
I am so happy to see some-thing about the crackers.Been searching all my major grocery stores to find some.No luck .I never thought that it had stopped production. Please bring them back.
Deborah – Thanks for the support. Yes, it’s been a long saga that we are trying to correct. Best, Ted Leavitt
Can’t wait!! Love the seasoned RYKRISP. Counting on a 2020 comeback. Please keep us posted on your website. Wishing you all the best of luck in your comeback preparations. Go RYKRISP!!!!
Tom – Thanks for the kind words. We still need an insurance settlement to get properly funded, but are definitely on the case and making progress. All the best, Ted L
I am desperately anxious to purchase my FAVORITE crackers again !
Donna – Thanks for the kind words. Hope not to disappoint. Ted L.
I’m so glad I found out what happened these past several years to RyKrisp. I’ve been searching high and low for your crackers not realizing you were actually out of production. Thank you for providing answers and updates regarding your legal battles and when you’ll be able to start production again.
I’m sure the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t helped your cause these past several months.
Any new updates since your February 2020 newsletter? I will happily purchase your products online or in stores as soon as they become available again.
Tammy – It has been quiet the past few months as we pursue our settlement via the insurers. Will advise when we have an update. All the best, Ted L
Does this mean we get RyKrisp back? No kidding, it’s been a great loss.
Jennifer – Where we are now is in the middle of trying to collect our court settlement. As a very small company, that is a prerequisite for moving forward. Thanks for being a fan. Ted L
All for RyKrisps return – very much miss your product. Would appreciate being kept updated. Thx
This is the place to be updated the important stuff or via or email list. Ted L
please bring RyKrisp back!
Greg – Thanks for the words of encouragement. Trying. Ted L
Please bring the Seasoned Rye Krisp back to the stores across the country, especially Minnesota 🙂
Minnesota is home, of course. Thx! Ted
I wondered what happened to RyKrisp! I do hope you are successful and will be back on store shelves soon!
Thx!
Hope you get your settlement money soon! I grew up in Mpls eating RyKrisp crackers, have loved them my whole life and would also love to see them come back!
Thx!