Tonka Bay Equity Partners, Minnetonka, Minn., announced plans to sell Freshpack Produce, Inc., Denver, Colo., to Creation Gardens, Inc., doing business as What Chefs Want, Louisville, Ky.

Freshpack is an independent specialty food distributor in the Mountain West region, while What Chefs Want is a foodservice distributor offering chefs and restaurateurs access to fresh meat, seafood, produce, gourmet items and more throughout the Midwestern and Southeastern United States.

Tonka Bay acquired Freshpack in 2010, and has since enhanced the management team and IT infrastructure and developed a large multi-channel customer base in high-growth markets. Tonka Bay’s investment in Freshpack leveraged its prior experience in specialty distribution businesses.

“When looking at What Chefs Want’s product and service offerings, it is a great fit for the future of Freshpack, allowing us the ability to expand our offerings with our substantial customer base and new customers that are seeking superior quality products and improved and flexible services,” says Dave Distel, chief executive officer of Freshpack.

“Freshpack’s broad customer base and product portfolio was an ideal fit for What Chefs Want,” adds Peter Kooman, partner at Tonka Bay and chairman of Freshpack. “Combined, they are well positioned for continued success in the rapidly growing Colorado market.”