Ben-Nadav Hafri

And yet, in that whole article, they don't mention a call she got sometime in January 2010 regarding a secret recipe for English muffins.

And yet, in that whole article, they don't mention a call she got sometime in January 2010 regarding a secret recipe for English muffins.

Chris Botticella, as I have mentioned, was in trouble. Bimbo Bakeries has just found out that one of seven employees who knew the secret recipe for their newly acquired and extremely valuable Thomas's English muffins was going to work for a competitor. Grupo Bimbo is one of the largest bakeries in the world. Grupo Bimbo bows to nobody.

Chris Botticella, as I have mentioned, was in trouble. Bimbo Bakeries has just found out that one of seven employees who knew the secret recipe for their newly acquired and extremely valuable Thomas's English muffins was going to work for a competitor. Grupo Bimbo is one of the largest bakeries in the world. Grupo Bimbo bows to nobody.

So within days of Chris's termination, before he starts his new job at Hostess, attorneys for Bimbo file an injunction in a Pennsylvania court, which is technically where Thomas's is based, but mainly it's a way better place for them to argue the case than California. I would like to read to you from the factual allegations section of what they filed.

So within days of Chris's termination, before he starts his new job at Hostess, attorneys for Bimbo file an injunction in a Pennsylvania court, which is technically where Thomas's is based, but mainly it's a way better place for them to argue the case than California. I would like to read to you from the factual allegations section of what they filed.

Items 1 through 10 cover the basics of the case. And then they get to the secrets. BBU and its predecessors have gone to great lengths to keep secret the recipe and process for making Thomas's English muffins for over 75 years. Thomas's English muffins are a unique product famous for their distinctive nooks and crannies characteristics.

Items 1 through 10 cover the basics of the case. And then they get to the secrets. BBU and its predecessors have gone to great lengths to keep secret the recipe and process for making Thomas's English muffins for over 75 years. Thomas's English muffins are a unique product famous for their distinctive nooks and crannies characteristics.

As a result of his employment, Botticella learned trade secrets relating to the production of the Thomas's English muffins, including not only its recipe, but also the equipment necessary for production, necessary moisture level, and the way the product is baked, which all contribute to its distinctive characteristics.

As a result of his employment, Botticella learned trade secrets relating to the production of the Thomas's English muffins, including not only its recipe, but also the equipment necessary for production, necessary moisture level, and the way the product is baked, which all contribute to its distinctive characteristics.

With the knowledge described in paragraph 13, Botticella could produce an English muffin that might look a bit different, but that would nevertheless possess the distinctive taste, texture, and flavor character that distinguish the Thomas's English muffins. And that have been the foundation of the product's success. End quote. If you're Chris, this is bad.

With the knowledge described in paragraph 13, Botticella could produce an English muffin that might look a bit different, but that would nevertheless possess the distinctive taste, texture, and flavor character that distinguish the Thomas's English muffins. And that have been the foundation of the product's success. End quote. If you're Chris, this is bad.

Because you have to remember, the judge is coming to this cold. Louis Del Giudice, partner Troutman Pepper Locke, muffin trade secret enthusiast.

Because you have to remember, the judge is coming to this cold. Louis Del Giudice, partner Troutman Pepper Locke, muffin trade secret enthusiast.

An immediately recognizable trade secret. Absolutely you can't let someone take the secret behind the greatest breakfast product of all time. The judge grants Bimbo's wish. Chris can't join Hostess till the case is heard. Meanwhile, Grupo Bimbo has hired a computer forensics expert who starts looking through Chris's laptop.

An immediately recognizable trade secret. Absolutely you can't let someone take the secret behind the greatest breakfast product of all time. The judge grants Bimbo's wish. Chris can't join Hostess till the case is heard. Meanwhile, Grupo Bimbo has hired a computer forensics expert who starts looking through Chris's laptop.

When confronted with this information, Chris told the court he was practicing for his new job. The court is like, are you serious?

When confronted with this information, Chris told the court he was practicing for his new job. The court is like, are you serious?

Chris conceded that it was complicated. But there are mitigating factors here. First, the rush of it all, and the fact that he'd just met Liz, his lawyer. Then, too, he'd signed a document with Hostess saying that he wouldn't share any confidential bimbo information. He said he'd stuck around because he wanted to get his year-end bonus and finish two projects he was working on.

Chris conceded that it was complicated. But there are mitigating factors here. First, the rush of it all, and the fact that he'd just met Liz, his lawyer. Then, too, he'd signed a document with Hostess saying that he wouldn't share any confidential bimbo information. He said he'd stuck around because he wanted to get his year-end bonus and finish two projects he was working on.