The Companion Group, a design and manufacturing firm of grilling, pizzamaking, and other cooking and outdoor living products, has returned to its roots by moving to their
new offices at 9th and Gilman Streets in Berkeley, California.

The Companion Group was founded in Berkeley in 1984.  Its beginnings were small, as founders Chuck Adams and Doug Fielding started out selling chimney-style charcoal starters by visiting local retailers door-to-door.  Eventually, the company grew into the “family of brands” it is today, with lines such as Charcoal Companion®, Steven Raichlen Best of Barbecue™, pizzacraft®, and Planet Barbecue™.  As the company evolved, it based its offices in Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville.  But as of the beginning of October 2012, it once again calls Berkeley home.

“It’s such a good feeling to be working again in Berkeley after all these years. I am a sixties kind of guy, so being smack-dab in the middle of this incredibly unique, diverse community truly appeals to me and to our dedicated staff, many of whom are also Berkeley residents. Doug and I see this move as an important step in strengthening the mission of our company: to continually grow our business with consistent innovative product design while also providing a comfortable, dynamic workplace built with a thoughtful eye towards our impact on the local and global environment,” says Chuck Adams, CEO of The Companion Group. 

The Companion Group and its employees are excited to return to the city where it all began.  With Berkeley’s wonderful local retailers and dining establishments, The Companion Group’s 30 employees are already settling into their new neighborhood.  The company itself is looking forward to becoming a contributing member of the city’s thriving small business environment and giving back to the community that gave it its start.

The Companion Group’s official address is 1250 9th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710; its cross street is Gilman Street.