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Matt Rourke / Associated Press

A federal appeals court in Philadelphia says a food-industry executive armed with the secret to the "nooks and crannies" in Thomas' English muffins can't work for a rival amid a trade-secret lawsuit.

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Posted on Thu, Jul. 29, 2010

Court: English muffin exec can't move to rival

MARYCLAIRE DALE

The Associated Press

A food-industry executive armed with the secret to the "nooks and crannies" in Thomas' English muffins can't work for a rival amid a trade-secret lawsuit.

The U.S. appeals court ruling in Philadelphia this week stops Chris Botticella of Trabuco Canyon, Calif., from moving to rival Hostess. A U.S. district judge had already ruled he couldn't jump ship.

Thomas' parent company, Bimbo Bakeries, says he is one of just seven people who knows its English muffin secrets. Bimbo says Botticella worked for it for months after accepting a Hostess job in Houston.

Bimbo Bakeries is based in Horsham, Montgomery County.

Bimbo sued to stop the move, fearing he would divulge trade secrets.

Courts must balance a company's right to guard trade secrets against an employee's right to switch jobs.

In this case, the appeals court says Botticella can be banned from Hostess while the lawsuit plays out.