Opened in ’89, Aspen’s pioneered a “take and bake”
concept, and also reflected David, Charlie and Brian’s
shared passion for healthy cuisine, using nutritional toppings and
ingredients including carrots, bean sprouts, fresh roasted nuts and
a specialty crust that was 50% whole wheat. The unique menu drew
raves from critics and foodies alike, and it wasn’t long before a major
health food chain enlisted the Aspen team to develop and package
the gourmet pies for retail sales. Soon, two more grocery chains
began carrying Aspen’s delicious pizzas.

    When they could no longer meet demand out of the restaurant’s
          kitchen, the team located to a larger facility and braved the world
                of large wholesale food manufacturing. More products – and
                  customers – further expanded the operation, and – in ’98 – 
                 they bought Solana Beach Bakery, a supplier of breads to a
                major concept restaurant chain and of muffins and cookies
              to a national coffee house brand. David, Charlie and Brian
          continued to build the business, and Crestone Group was born,
         growing as naturally as the ingredients in its delicious products.