Barr comes to Stir as a product developer and chef with over 25 years of culinary and CPG experience. She began her culinary career in San Francisco, where she opened Val 21, one of the city’s first organic whole-food restaurants. After serving meals to AIDS patients at Project Open Hand, she transitioned into product development, becoming Odwalla’s first Creative Chef/Director of New Product Development, developing and launching many of their most iconic products. Barr continued shaping the brand after Coca-Cola’s acquisition, working under the Minute Maid division. Since then, Barr has expanded her expertise, creating noteworthy formulations in categories including soups, salad dressings, smoothies, energy bars, cereals, functional sauces, and food service beverages.

When she’s not innovating on the bench or in the plant, Barr can be found traveling, skiing, hiking, biking, and of course cooking.

Desert island meal: A perfectly roasted chicken, crusty sourdough, ripe peaches, and cold Champagne.