Wholesale Bakery Closure Leaves Burger Favorite in a Bun Conundrum

“Shocking. It was jaw-dropping,” says Susan Ralston, who owns locations of longtime favorite Jim’s Burger Haven in Thornton and Arvada — both of which faced a big surprise when the bun supplier didn’t show up for their regular delivery on Saturday, March 7.

The original Jim’s in Thornton, which had operated as a Whataburger before that brand pulled out of the state, was founded in 1961 by Jim and Arlene Moser. Today, it’s a retro throwback to classic burger joints, and its staple is its big smashburgers on a six-inch bun.

For the last fifteen years, those buns were custom-made for Jim’s by Aspen Baking Company, a commercial bakery that was founded in 1994 by Jeff Nations, who passed away in 2021. “They were such a great company,” Ralston notes. “When Jeff was around, everything was great. And after Jeff passed, everything’s been fine. That’s why it was so shocking.”

The manager who informed Ralston that the delivery did not arrive had been told the company was “bought” and no longer delivering. “I was like, you must have heard wrong,” recalls Ralston, who attempted to contact a sales manager and an accountant with no luck. But her longtime delivery driver did answer and said that when he returned to Aspen Baking Company after his Friday deliveries, he was told he no longer had a job.

An auto reply to an email sent to Cate Wilson, Aspen Baking Company vice president of sales and operations, reads: “Please note that as of Friday, March 6th, Aspen Baking Company entered a transitional period and is in the process of being acquired. While details cannot be shared just yet, this transition is happening quickly. As a result, Aspen Baking Company ceased all direct store delivery operations effective on Friday, March 6th. For over 30 years, since 1994, Aspen Baking Company has partnered with restaurants, cafes, schools, hospitals, and community centers throughout the Denver metro area and the Rocky Mountains. It is bittersweet to move on, but we are confident in what the future has in store for our team.”

The note goes on to list the company’s recommendations for alternate suppliers: “For Pastry Needs: La Belle French Bakery; For Bread Needs: Harvest Moon Bakery.”

But for a business like Jim’s, finding a replacement custom bun won’t be simple. Ralston is already making calls to come up with a long-term solution, but she also had to scramble over the weekend. “It’s almost like COVID all over again,” she says of having to deal with this very unexpected challenge.

Between its two locations, Jim’s typically goes through 250 to 275 dozen six-inch buns per week, accounting for a large portion of its sales. “Thankfully, Saturday, I had enough stock that I was able to get through the day at both locations,” she notes.

But more than burgers come on those six-inch buns; they’re also used for items like the Italian sandwich and hot dogs. In order to avoid disappointed customers, “I immediately turned off online ordering because I couldn’t communicate,” Ralston explains, adding that she also removed all items on a six-inch bun from DoorDash.

“Those two things cost sales,” she admits, “but hopefully I’m not going to upset people,” by serving them something different than what they’ve come to expect.

The first temporary solution was to offer the big burgers on the Pullman bread that Jim’s uses for its grilled cheese. As of today, March 9, Ralston was able to source some temporary buns through her Shamrock rep, though they’re only five inches. “We’re getting closer, inching forward,” she jokes.

She hopes customers will be understanding as Jim’s searches for the right long-term solution, which may even lead to a better bun. “That’s what I said to my team,” Ralston says. “Through all our bumps, we usually come out better on the other side, so let’s keep thinking that, and we’ll work towards it.”

As for Aspen Baking Company, “What they’re doing is destroying their reputation,” Ralston notes. The company has not replied to a request for comment on the closure, the change of ownership or its future plans.

But if you run into bread shortages while you’re out and about this week, remember to be patient as Aspen Baking Company’s customers search for new suppliers.

Jim’s Burger Haven has locations at 595 East 88th Avenue in Thornton and 7855 Sheridan Boulevard in Westminster. Both are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. For more information, visit jimsburgerhaven.com.