PHOENIX (Dec. 2, 2008) – Urban Oven, a Tempe-based gourmet cracker company, announces its launch into the local and international market. The company, which established in June, has grown its distribution to 700 retail clients, adding, on average, 125 new clients each month.
Founded by Gene Williams, the motivation for Urban Oven came after the nationally recognized gourmet food company he worked for disbanded and he realized there was an opportunity to capture the large following of loyal customers the company had. A long-time colleague and owner of a manufacturer representative business, Linda Anne Marty, joined Williams in the venture and the duo have successfully launched it into various U.S. markets, as well as in Ireland and Canada.
“We wanted to capitalize on the successes of past gourmet cracker companies, but also focus on improving the product,” said Williams. “We made it our mission to shift the focus back to the customer and use only the highest-quality ingredients. It’s this attention to detail that separates our crackers from the rest.”
Currently, there are five flavor offerings: Classic White, Olive Oil, Rosemary Parmesan, Asiago and Lemon Black Pepper.
“There’s an immediately noticeable difference in the taste and texture of our crackers and the response thus far has been amazing,” said Marty. “We’re continually looking to expand our reach in the gourmet markets and looking forward to the continued, steady growth ahead.”
Prior to forming Urban Oven, Williams worked as a manager and production manager for Starr Ridge, which helped prepare him for his current role. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Arizona State University, where his emphasis was power production and alternative energy. Following graduation, he went to work for Starr Ridge and discovered a new passion for the gourmet food product industry.
Previously, Marty worked in computer software sales for the maker of Norton AntiVirus, Symantec Corp., a global company focusing on security, storage and system management solutions. After 13 years in the software industry, Marty moved to Arizona from Seattle, Wash., where she started a career in the gourmet food and drink industry. In addition to Urban Oven, she also currently owns and operates Luscious Accents and More, a manufacturer representative business, which she has successfully grown over the past 12 years. Marty holds a bachelor’s in Kinesiology from North Seattle College in Washington State.
About Urban Oven
Founded in 2008, Urban Oven is a Tempe-based gourmet cracker company that utilizes all natural ingredients, as well as local ingredients when possible. The company, which distributes to gourmet retailers throughout the U.S., Ireland and Canada, has five cracker products, including Classic White, Olive Oil, Rosemary Parmesan, Asiago and Lemon Black Pepper. For more information, visit www.UrbanOven.com.
