Bernard Silver, co-founder of specialty food company Char Crust, passed recently at the age of 75 after battling lung cancer.
Silver worked with his father, Nathan, to launch a specialty food business in 1979, selling the dry spice rub made famous in his father's Chicago restaurant, Al Farber's, to chefs and specialty food stores. The brand, called Char Crust, experienced dramatic growth after SIlver and wife Susan Eriksen joined forces to lead the business in 1991, adding new flavors to their dry-rub seasonings both in retail and foodservice channels.
When once asked by Specialty Food magazine how the two split the brand's duties, Eriksen commented, "If Char Crust were a movie, Bernie would be the producer; I would be the director." This highlights the companionship the two shared in business and in life.
A Chicago native, Silver was known for his mentorship and volunteer work to help people improve their lives and businesses. He was awarded Man of the Year by Illinois’ Oakton Community College for his efforts.
In lieu of flowers, Silver’s family asks that memorial contributions be made to: First Tee- Greater Chicago, c/o Bernard Silver Memorial, 3701 N. Recreation Drive, Suite 2, Chicago, IL 60613, a golf-based youth development association that honors his passion for the sport.
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Image: Char Crust