04/06/2016
It is with a mixture of pride and sadness that I am writing to inform you that Gator Ron’s Zesty Sauces and Mixes will be closing as of April 6, 2016.
As many of you know, I established Gator Ron’s in January 2012, two months after my husband, Ron Griffith, died of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which has no known treatment, is highly debilitating, and always fatal. My partners, Debbie Kaufmann and Steve Paderofsky, and I took recipes he had created for his much loved and very unique sauces and mixes, had them professionally manufactured, and began to sell them in an effort to increase awareness of the relatively unknown disease, and in particular, to raise money for ALS research.
In the past four years, we have had many accomplishments, including acceptance onto the shelves (or bars) of almost 300 stores, markets, restaurants, and online shops throughout the region, and a tremendous number of people who purchase, and love, our products. We have learned much, enjoyed incredible experiences, and most importantly, we have met many wonderful people and made many new friends –clients, end-user customers, ALS community members, affiliates, manufacturers, fans of Gator Ron’s, and more.
Unfortunately, due to the extensive costs associated with managing and growing a specialty food business, I have made the difficult decision to close the company. I do so knowing that Ron would be proud – and amazed – at the number of people who love his products. And we are happy that we have, indeed, helped to “take a bite out of ALS.”
It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with you. Debbie, Steve, and I are very grateful for the assistance and support that you and so many others gave us during these past several years, and wish you great success in all you do.
Please accept our warmest wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous year.
Thank you for everything,
Constance Griffith
President