At JAMBAR, our mission to fuel joy and health with our organic energy bars is deeply rooted in the spirit of creativity. What many might not know is that our production facility carries a legacy that echoes one of the most iconic bands in music history—the Grateful Dead. Yes, the very space where we craft our bars was once a recording studio for the legendary band, a group that defined a cultural movement and left an indelible mark on music history.
The Grateful Dead Legacy
The Grateful Dead, formed in 1965 in the San Francisco Bay Area, is celebrated for their eclectic style, improvisational prowess, and pioneering contributions to the counterculture movement. Led by the charismatic Jerry Garcia, the band’s music broke down musical boundaries, blending rock, folk, jazz, and blues into a singular sound that became the heartbeat of an era. Known for their extended jam sessions and an ever-evolving setlist, the Grateful Dead created an experience as unique as their devoted fanbase, lovingly referred to as "Deadheads."
During their peak, the Grateful Dead established creative sanctuaries where they could experiment and record. One such sanctuary is now home to JAMBAR. Imagine the stories the walls of this facility could tell: a place where the groundbreaking sounds of albums like American Beauty and Workingman’s Dead might have echoed, and where innovation flowed freely. Today, we channel that same creative energy into every bar we make.
A Mural by Jerry Garcia?
Adding to the allure of our facility’s history is a mural believed to have been contributed to by Jerry Garcia himself. Beyond his role as a musical visionary, Jerry was also a visual artist, creating paintings and drawings that reflected the same imagination found in his music. The mural, painted in what is now our production room, remains in stunning shape, a kaleidoscope of colors that serves as a daily inspiration. To us, it’s a reminder to approach our craft with the same passion and authenticity that defined Jerry’s artistry.
Many Grateful Dead fans correctly think of Haight Ashbury when they think of the band’s home which it was in their early years. However, most of the Dead band members moved across the Golden Gate Bridge to live in Marin County with their offices and warehouse on Front Street and Ticket Sales office off 5th Street in San Rafael the city where JAMBAR home office is located. Throughout our offices, you’ll also find unique paintings and creative touches that harken back to the Grateful Dead’s days in this space.
From Music to Nutrition
Transforming a former recording studio into a state-of-the-art facility for making organic energy bars might seem like a leap, but for our founder, Jenny Maxwell, it was a natural evolution. As a musician herself, Jenny’s vision for JAMBAR was deeply influenced by her own love of music (Jenny plays the drums!) and her commitment to health and wellness. She saw the potential to honor the history of this space while creating something entirely new.
At JAMBAR, we’ve embraced the creative spirit of our facility’s origins. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen, and every bar reflects our commitment to organic quality and our passion for fueling both the body and soul.
A Tribute to Creativity and Connection
As we continue to write our story at JAMBAR, we honor the history that shaped our space. From the groundbreaking sounds of the Grateful Dead to the innovative recipes at JAMBAR, our facility stands as a tribute to creativity and the pursuit of something greater.
From the recording studio that inspired timeless music to “the kitchen” where we create organic energy bars designed to nourish the body and uplift the spirit, this space tells a story we are proud to honor.
We recently experienced a full-circle, “a-ha!” moment when Mads Tolling—a two-time Grammy Award-winning violinist and composer, and proud JAMBAR Ambassador—visited our facility for a tour with our founder, Jenny. Shortly after, Mads hit the road with his band “Bob Weir’s Wolf Bros/Pack Band”, performing alongside Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead.The connection is pretty special—our space, once the Grateful Dead's recording studio, now fuels an artist performing alongside a musical legend. How cool is that?
Keep the Vibes Alive
So the next time you bite into a JAMBAR and have your favorite Dead song on, think about its journey: from a studio where the Grateful Dead redefined music to a space where we aim to redefine wholesome nutrition for our active lives. Let’s keep fueling our passions, one bar at a time.
Jenny & Mads at JAMBAR