Stapleton resident Udi Bar-on, owner of Udi’s Foods.
Udi’s Foods, owned by Stapleton father-and-son team Udi and Etai Bar-on, sold their gluten-free business in 2012 to Smart Balance (which in 2013 changed its name to Boulder Brands). The $125 million sale included the Udi’s brand name, so the remaining businesses (10 restaurants and cafes, artisan bakery, catering and ready-made foods) must start using a new name by July. Etai Bar-on says the sale of the gluten-free part of the business will enable them to reinvest and grow their original (remaining) businesses.
The company is inviting the public to contribute ideas for the new name. Suggestions, including videos, images and text, must be submitted by Feb. 10 at www.ReNameUdis.com. The Bar-ons will choose their top three names and put them up for a vote between Feb. 17 and 28. The new name will be announced on April 2. The top finalist will win a party for 20 worth $1,000. Second and third prizes are $300 and $150 for use at Udi’s businesses.
Udi’s Foods is a privately held, family-run company that employs more than 500 people in the greater Denver metro area.
