The story: Colo.-based Ricky’s Lucky Nuts, a “nut company with a conscience,” makes all-natural, dry-roasted, premium peanuts with a unique crystalline spice coating in six sweet and spicy flavors. The brand went to market in 2009.
“Ricky’s Lucky Nuts really started accidentally,” says Carolyn Lamb, co-owner. “The original recipe came from Rick, a chef and colleague of founder Paul Gelose. Paul made these nuts for private parties at his restaurant in Durango, and they received such rave reviews that he decided to develop a commercial line. When the cooks in the kitchen asked what he called the recipe, he declared them to be ‘Ricky’s Lucky Nuts.’”