Brad’s Raw Chips Recapitalizes, Changes Leadership

Brad’s Raw Chips has recapitalized and changed leadership to an investor group led by Arthur J. Pergament, CEO of Pergament Advisors and Pergament LOHAS Fund.  Pergament converted all its debt into equity and invested additional equity capital to support the company’s next growth phase. 

“When I first started selling homemade raw chips at farmers’ markets six years ago, I never imagined it would turn into the multimillion-dollar business it is today,” said Brad Gruno, founder of Brad’s Raw Chips. “I am so proud of the tremendous success of Brad’s Raw Foods, and I’m confident that this nationally known and respected brand will continue to expand.” 

Pergament has made several key hires including sales executives Cindy Liggett and Paul Miller, and plant manager Cyrus Shunk. Even though Gruno is moving on to new opportunities, he will remain a minority shareholder. The new leadership and financing provides Brad’s Raw Foods the opportunity to become the pre-eminent premium healthy snack food brand. 

Kemper Messner, corporate controller, said, “These are exciting times at Brad’s Raw Foods as the new ownership will provide additional working capital and leadership for expanded growth via an increased level of research and development, innovative production technology and new products in the marketplace.”

Pergament stated, “Brad’s is a strong brand primed for tremendous growth with an energetic team of experienced professionals. We appreciate all the retailer, customer and partner support, and we look forward to expanding Brad’s product selection. Brad’s mission is to provide a wide selection of the healthiest, highest-quality foods with integrity and we strive to provide that to our customers every day.”

Brad’s Raw Foods, based in Pipersville, Pa., is a raw-snacks-focused brand with products made from a combination of fresh vegetables, nutrient-dense leafy greens, and sprouted nuts and seeds. The chips are dehydrated instead of baked or fried to ensure that all the nutrients and live enzymes are preserved.  

The product line is led by leafy kale with accompanying vegetable chips and the newly launched broccoli poppers.