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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

        This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT is made as of August 11, 2003, effective as of
March 1, 2003, (this "Agreement") by and between Centennial Specialty Foods
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Jeffrey R. Nieder
("Executive").

                                    RECITALS

        In order to induce Executive to serve as the President, Chief Operating
Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Company's subsidiary,
Lewis Foods, Inc., the Company desires to provide Executive with compensation
and other benefits on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

        Executive is willing to accept such employment and perform services for
the Company, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

        It is therefore hereby agreed by and between the parties as follows:

        1. Employment.

                1.1 Position. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
        Agreement, the Company agrees to employ Executive during the Term (as
        defined herein) as its President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief
        Financial Officer. In his capacity as the President, Chief Operating
        Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, Executive shall
        report to the Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO") and the Board of
        Directors of the Company (the "Board") and shall have the powers,
        responsibilities and authorities of chief operating and financial
        officers of corporations of the size, type and nature of the Company, as
        it exists from time to time, and as are assigned by the CEO and the
        Board consistent with Executive's position. In his capacity as
        President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the
        Company's subsidiary, Lewis Foods, Inc., Executive shall report to the
        Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors of Lewis Foods and
        shall have the powers, responsibilities and authorities of chief
        operating officers and chief financial officers of corporations of the
        size, type and nature of Lewis Foods, as it exists from time to time,
        and as are assigned by the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of
        Directors of Lewis Foods consistent with Executive's position. At the
        request of the Company, Executive will serve as an officer and/or
        director of any of the Company's other subsidiaries for no additional
        compensation. In the event the Company hires a chief financial officer
        and Executive's duties are thereafter solely related to his capacity as
        President and Chief Operating Officer, such change shall be permitted
        hereunder at the Company's discretion. Notwithstanding any language to
        the contrary elsewhere herein, any such change shall not entitle
        Executive to terminate this Agreement.

                1.2 Duties. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
        Agreement, Executive hereby agrees to be employed as the President,
        Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and
        Lewis Foods and agrees to devote such working time and efforts (except
        for permitted vacation periods and reasonable periods of illness and
        other incapacity), to the best of his ability, experience and talent, to
        the performance of services, duties and responsibilities in connection
        therewith so that such performance shall be his primary business
        activity. Executive shall perform such duties and exercise such powers
        with respect to the activities of the Company, commensurate with his
        positions, as the President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial
        Officer of the Company and as a member of the Board, as the CEO and the
        Board shall from time to time reasonably delegate to him.

                1.3 Other Service. Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude
        Executive from serving on boards of directors of other companies or
        trade organizations and participating in charitable, community or
        religious activities that do not substantially interfere with his duties
        and responsibilities hereunder or conflict with the interest of the
        Company.

                1.4 Office. Executive's primary office will be located in the
        Company's office facility located in Englewood, Colorado or any other
        location reasonably acceptable to Executive.

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        2. Term.

                2.1 Term of Employment. Executive's term of employment under
        this Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date (as defined
        below), and, subject to the terms hereof, shall terminate on the earlier
        of (i) the third anniversary of the Effective Date, or (ii) termination
        of Executive's employment pursuant to this Agreement (the "Term");
        provided, however, that any termination of employment by Executive
        (other than for death or Permanent Disability) or by the Company may
        only be made upon 90 days prior written notice to the other party
        hereto. Executive shall resign from any and all positions, including
        board memberships, held by him with the Company or any subsidiary of the
        Company upon any termination of employment.

                2.2 Effective Date. This Agreement shall be effective March 1,
        2003 (the "Effective Date").

        3. Compensation.

                3.1 Salary. The Company shall pay Executive a base salary ("Base
        Salary") at the rate of $150,000 per annum commencing on the beginning
        of Executive's term of employment hereunder. Base Salary shall be
        payable in accordance with the ordinary payroll practices of the
        Company. The Compensation Committee of the Board will review Executive's
        salary at least annually and may increase (but not reduce) Executive's
        Base Salary in its sole discretion. Once increased, such Base Salary
        shall not be reduced and, as so increased, shall constitute "Base
        Salary" hereunder.

                3.2 Annual Bonus. In addition to his Base Salary, Executive
        shall, commencing with the 2003 year and continuing each year (or fiscal
        year, if the Company shall use or adopt a fiscal year differing from the
        calendar year) hereafter, be afforded an opportunity to earn an annual
        cash bonus (the "Bonus") during the Term. The amount of such Bonus shall
        be determined in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee of
        the Board. In determining Executive's Bonus, the Compensation Committee
        will consider the actual and projected performance of the Company, the
        Executive's contribution to such performance, the compensation paid to
        chief operating and financial officers of other companies in the food
        industry that are similar in size and profitability to the Company, and
        other factors that the Compensation Committee shall in its sole judgment
        consider to bear on the Bonus.

        4. Employee Benefits.

                4.1 Employee Benefit Programs, Plans and Practices. Once the
        Company adopts or establishes any employee pension and welfare benefit
        programs, plans and practices (to the extent permitted under any
        employee benefit plan) that are made available to its senior executives,
        the Executive shall have the right to participate in such programs to
        the same extent, and on the same terms, as other senior executives of
        the Company.

                4.2 Vacation. While employed hereunder, Executive shall be
        entitled to no less than 20 business days paid vacation in each calendar
        year, which shall be taken at such times as are consistent with
        Executive's responsibilities hereunder.

        5. Expenses. Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in
carrying out his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. The Company
will reimburse Executive for such expenses upon presentation by Executive from
time to time of appropriately itemized and approved (consistent with the
Company's policy) accounts of such expenditures.

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        6. Termination of Employment.

                6.1 Termination Without Cause. Except as provided in Section
        6.3, if Executive's employment is terminated by the Company (other than
        for Permanent Disability, death or Cause), Executive shall receive such
        payments, if any, under applicable plans or programs, including but not
        limited to those referred to in Section 4.1 hereof, to which he is
        entitled pursuant to the terms of such plans or programs, and any unpaid
        payments of Base Salary previously earned, and accrued vacation and
        expenses incurred for which Executive is entitled to reimbursement
        hereunder. If Executive is terminated under this Section 6.1, Executive
        shall also be entitled to receive:

                (a) severance equal to six months' of Executive's Base Salary
        paid as normal payroll over the six months following such termination of
        employment; and

                (b) continued coverage for a 12-month period under any employee
        medical, health and life insurance plans in accordance with the
        respective terms thereof applicable to active employees (other than the
        requirement of continued employment); provided, however, that payments
        and benefits due hereunder shall be reduced by any amounts owed by
        Executive to the Company.

                In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other
        employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts
        payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and
        such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains other
        employment.

                6.2 Termination For Good Reason. Except as provided in Section
        6.3, if Executive resigns for Good Reason (as defined below), Executive
        shall receive such payments, if any, under applicable plans or programs,
        including but not limited to those referred to in Section 4.1 hereof, to
        which he is entitled pursuant to the terms of such plans or programs,
        and any unpaid payments of Base Salary previously earned, and accrued
        vacation and expenses incurred for which Executive is entitled to
        reimbursement hereunder. If Executive resigns under this Section 6.2,
        Executive shall also be entitled to receive:

                (a) an amount (the "Section 6.2 Termination Amount") in lieu of
        any other cash compensation beyond that provided in the immediately
        preceding sentence, which amount shall be equal to the Executive's Base
        Salary for a 12 month period payable in a lump sum within 30 days
        following such termination of employment; provided that if such
        resignation occurs within 90 days prior to calendar year end, Executive
        shall have the option to defer payment, without interest, of the Section
        6.2 Termination Amount to January 1 of the next year; and

                (b) continued coverage for a 18-month period under any employee
        medical, health and life insurance plans in accordance with the
        respective terms thereof applicable to active employees (other than the
        requirement of continued employment); provided, however, that payments
        and benefits due hereunder shall be reduced by any amounts owed by the
        Executive to the Company.

"Good Reason" shall be defined as (i) a reduction in Executive's Base Salary,
(ii) a diminution of Executive's titles, offices, positions or authority,
excluding for this purpose an action not taken in bad faith and which is
remedied within twenty (20) days after receipt of written notice thereof given
by Executive; or the assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent with
Executive's position (including status or reporting requirements), authority, or
material responsibilities, or the removal of Executive's authority or material
responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an action not taken in bad faith
and which is remedied by the Company within twenty (20) days after receipt of
notice thereof given by Executive, (iii) a transfer of Executive's primary
workplace by more than fifty (50) miles from the current workplace unless agreed
to by the Executive in his sole discretion, excluding a transfer to the Phoenix,
Arizona metropolitan area, (iv) a material breach of this Agreement by the
Company which is not remedied within twenty (20) days after receipt of written
notice thereof given by Executive, (v) Executive is not the President, Chief
Operating Officer of Lewis Foods, or (vi) Executive is not the President, Chief
Operating Officer of the Company and a member of the Board.

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                6.3 Termination During a Non-Negotiated Change of Control.
        Notwithstanding Section 6.1 or 6.2, if within three months prior to or
        one year after a Non-Negotiated Change of Control (as defined below),
        Executive's employment is terminated by the Company (other than for
        Permanent Disability, death or Cause) or the Executive resigns for Good
        Reason, Executive shall receive such payments, if any, under applicable
        plans or programs, including but not limited to those referred to in
        Section 4.1 hereof, to which he is entitled pursuant to the terms of
        such plans or programs, and any unpaid payments of Base Salary
        previously earned and accrued vacation and expenses incurred for which
        Executive is entitled to reimbursement hereunder. If Executive is
        terminated or resigns under this Section 6.3, Executive shall also be
        entitled to receive:

                (a) an amount (the "Section 6.3 Termination Amount") in lieu of
        any other cash compensation beyond that provided in the immediately
        preceding sentence, which amount shall be equal to two and ninety nine
        one hundredths (2.99) times Executive's annual Base Salary; provided
        that if such termination or resignation occurs within 90 days prior to
        calendar year end, Executive shall have the option to defer payment,
        without interest, of the Section 6.3 Termination Amount to January 1 of
        the next year; and

                (b) continued coverage for a 30-month period under any employee
        medical, health and life insurance plans in accordance with the
        respective terms thereof applicable to active employees (other than the
        requirement of continued employment); provided, however, that payments
        and benefits due hereunder shall be reduced by any amounts owed by the
        Executive to the Company.

A Non-Negotiated Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred upon both of
the following occurring after the date of the Company's initial public offering,
subject in each case to the requirement that the Board of Directors of the
Company shall have failed and/or refused to approve the Change of Control
transaction and, regardless of such failure or refusal, a Change in Control
occurs, defined as: (A) any individual, entity, or group (within the meaning of
Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act")), other than James E. Lewis or any entity or organization
controlled by such person (collectively, the "Lewis Affiliates"), beneficially
owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) or
acquires 20% or more of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting
securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors ("Voting Power"); and (B) such beneficial ownership (as so defined) by
such individual, entity or group of more than 20% of the Voting Power then
exceeds the beneficial ownership (as so defined) by the Lewis Affiliates of the
Voting Power.

                6.4 Permanent Disability. If Executive is unable to engage in
        the activities required by Executive's job by reason of any medically
        determined physical or mental impairment which has lasted or can be
        expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6)
        consecutive months ("Permanent Disability"), the Company or Executive
        may terminate Executive's employment on written notice thereof, and
        Executive shall receive or commence receiving, as soon as practicable
        accrued but unpaid Base Salary and such payments under applicable plans
        or programs, including but not limited to those referred to in Sections
        4.1, 4.2 and 5 hereof, to which he is entitled pursuant to the terms of
        such plans or programs. The Company shall obtain a disability insurance
        policy in an amount that shall entitle Executive to be paid a minimum of
        15 months' Base Salary if Executive is found to have a Permanent
        Disability. If the Company has no such policy in effect at the time
        Executive is determined to have a Permanent Disability, the Company
        shall pay Executive's Base Salary for a 15 month period following such
        determination. The benefits described above are payable to Executive
        only in the event Executive is employed by the Company at the time the
        Permanent Disability arises.

                6.5 Death. In the event of Executive's death during the Term,
        Executive's estate or designated beneficiaries shall receive or commence
        receiving, as soon as practicable, accrued but unpaid Base Salary and
        such payments under applicable plans or programs, including but not
        limited to those referred to in Sections 4.1, 4.2 and 5 hereof, to which
        Executive's estate or designated beneficiaries are entitled pursuant to
        the terms of such plans or programs. The Company shall obtain a life
        insurance policy on the life of the Executive as to which the Company
        shall pay the premiums and as to which the Executive shall have the
        right to determine the beneficiary. The benefits payable under such
        policy shall be equal to a minimum of 18 months'

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        Base Salary being paid to the Executive at the time of his death. If the
        Company has no such policy in effect at the time Executive dies, the
        Company shall pay Executive's Base Salary to the Executive's estate for
        an 18 month period following Executive's death. The foregoing benefits
        are payable only so long as the Executive's death occurs while he is
        employed by the Company.

                6.6 Termination for Cause; Resignation by Executive.

                (a) The Company shall have the right to terminate the employment
        of Executive for Cause. In the event that Executive's employment is
        terminated by the Company for Cause or by Executive for any reason
        (other than by Executive for Good Reason or as a result of the
        Executive's Permanent Disability or death) during the Term, Executive
        shall not be entitled to the payment of any compensation otherwise
        included under this Agreement. After the termination of Executive's
        employment under this Section 6.6, the obligations of the Company under
        this Agreement to make any further payments, or provide any benefits
        specified herein, to Executive shall thereupon cease and terminate.

                (b) As used herein, the term "Cause" shall be limited to any of
        the following from and after the date hereof: (i) any willful breach of
        any material written policy of the Company that results in material and
        demonstrable liability or loss to the Company; (ii) the engaging by
        Executive in conduct involving moral turpitude that causes material and
        demonstrable injury, monetarily or otherwise, to the Company, including,
        but not limited to, misappropriation or conversion of assets of the
        Company (other than immaterial assets); (iii) the charging of Executive
        with, or conviction of or entry of a plea of nolo contendere to, a
        felony; or (iv) a material breach of this Agreement by engaging in
        action in violation of the restrictive covenants in this Agreement. No
        act or failure to act by the Executive shall be deemed "willful" if
        done, or omitted to be done, by him in good faith and with the
        reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest
        of the Company.

        7. Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by the
indemnification provisions of the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the
Company in effect as of the date of this Agreement and the indemnification
provisions of the corporation statute of the jurisdiction of the Company's
incorporation in effect from time to time (collectively, the "Indemnification
Provisions"), and in each case subject to the conditions hereof, the Company
shall (i) indemnify Executive, as a director and officer of the Company or a
subsidiary of the Company or a trustee or fiduciary of an employee benefit plan
of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company, or, if Executive shall be serving
in such capacity at the Company's written request, as a director or officer of
any other corporation (other than a subsidiary of the Company) or as a trustee
or fiduciary of an employee benefit plan not sponsored by the Company or a
subsidiary of the Company, against all liabilities and reasonable expenses that
may be incurred by Executive in any threatened, pending, or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal or administrative, or investigative
and whether formal or informal, because Executive is or was a director or
officer of the Company, a director or officer of such other corporation or a
trustee or fiduciary of such employee benefit plan, and against which Executive
may be indemnified by the Company, and (ii) pay for or reimburse the reasonable
expenses incurred by Executive in the defense of any proceeding to which
Executive is a party because Executive is or was a director or officer of the
Company, a director or officer of such other corporation or a trustee or
fiduciary of such employee benefit plan. The rights of Executive under the
Indemnification Provisions shall survive the termination of the employment of
Executive by the Company.

        8. Notices. All notices or communications hereunder shall be in writing,
addressed as follows:

                  To the Company:

                  Centennial Specialty Foods Corporation
                  400 Inverness Parkway
                  Suite 200
                  Englewood, Colorado 80112
                  Attn: Secretary

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                  with copies to:

                  Robert W. Walter, Esq.
                  Berliner, Zisser, Walter & McDonald, P.C.
                  1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 4700
                  Denver, Colorado 80203

                  To Executive:

                  Mr. Jeffrey R. Nieder

Any such notice or communication shall be delivered by hand or by courier or
sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid,
addressed as above (or to such other address as such party may designate in a
notice duty delivered as described above), and the third business day after the
actual date of mailing shall constitute the time at which notice was given.

        9. Separability; Legal Fees. If any provision of this Agreement shall be
declared to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such invalidity or
unenforceability shall not affect the remaining provisions hereof which shall
remain in full force and effect. The non-prevailing party shall bear the costs
of any legal fees and other fees and expenses which may be incurred by the
prevailing party in respect of enforcing its respective rights under this
Agreement except as otherwise provided herein.

        10. Assignment. This contract shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the heirs and representatives of Executive and the assigns, and
successors of the Company, but neither this Agreement nor any rights or
obligations hereunder shall be assignable or otherwise subject to hypothecation
by Executive (except by will or by operation of the laws of intestate
succession) or by the Company, except that the Company may assign this Agreement
to any successor (whether by merger, purchase or otherwise) to all or
substantially all of the stock, assets or businesses of the Company, if such
successor expressly agrees to assume the obligations of the Company hereunder.

        11. Amendment. This Agreement may only be amended by written agreement
of the parties hereto.

        12. Nondisclosure of Confidential Information: Non-Competition.

                (a) Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of
        the Company, use, divulge, disclose or make accessible to any other
        person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity any Confidential
        Information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its
        affiliates, except (i) while employed by the Company, in the business of
        and for the benefit of the Company, or (ii) as required by law. For
        purposes of this Section 12(a), "Confidential Information" shall mean
        non-public information concerning the financial data, strategic business
        plans, product development (or other proprietary product or recipe
        data), customer lists, marketing, acquisition and divestiture plans and
        other non-public, proprietary and confidential information of the
        Company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates, retained marketing firms or
        retailing or foodservice customers (the "Restricted Group") or suppliers
        (including, without limitation, any co-pack operator) or vendors that,
        in any case, is not otherwise available to the public (other than by
        Executive's breach of the terms hereof).

                (b) During the period of his employment hereunder and for one
        year thereafter (except in the case where Executive terminates his
        employment with the Company for the Good Reason event described in
        clause (v) of the definition of "Good Reason"), Executive agrees that,
        without the prior written consent of the Company, (A) he will not,
        directly or indirectly, either as principal, manager, agent, consultant,
        officer, stockholder, partner, investor, lender or employee or in any
        other capacity, carry on, be engaged in, or have any financial interest
        in, any business in Competition (as defined in Section 12(c)) with the
        business of the Restricted Group and (B) he shall not, on his own behalf
        or on behalf of any person, firm or company, directly or indirectly,
        solicit or hire for the benefit of anyone, other than the Restricted
        Group, any person who is, or was at any time during the six (6) months
        immediately preceding the time of the solicitation or hiring

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        by Executive employed by the Restricted Group (other than Executive's
        secretary or other administrative employee who worked directly for him).

                (c) For purposes of this Section 12, a business shall be deemed
        to be in "Competition" with the Restricted Group if it manufactures,
        sells or distributes ethnic Southwestern or Mexican foods or sauces
        through retail locations within ten (10) miles of any manufacturing,
        co-packing or retail location in which the Company's ethnic Southwestern
        foods or sauces are sold, manufactured or co-packed by a member of the
        Restricted Group. Nothing in this Section 12 shall be construed so as to
        preclude Executive from investing in a publicly or privately held
        company, provided Executive's beneficial ownership of any class of such
        company's securities does not exceed 4% of the outstanding securities of
        such class.

                (d) Executive and the Company agree that this covenant not to
        compete is a reasonable covenant under the circumstances, and further
        agree that if in the opinion of any court of competent jurisdiction such
        restraint is not reasonable in any respect, such court shall have the
        right, power and authority to excise or modify such provision or
        provisions of this covenant as to the court shall appear not reasonable
        and to enforce the remainder of the covenant as so amended. Executive
        agrees that any breach of the covenants contained in this Section 12
        would irreparably injure the Company. Accordingly, Executive agrees that
        the Company may, in addition to pursuing any other remedies it may have
        in equity, obtain an injunction against Executive from any court having
        jurisdiction over the matter restraining any further violation of this
        Agreement by Executive and cease making any payments otherwise required
        by this Agreement; provided, however, that in the event a court of
        competent jurisdiction, which recognizes the validity of the provisions
        of this Section 12, finds Executive not to be in violation of the
        provisions of this Section 12, then the Company shall pay to Executive,
        in a lump sum, within ten days of such determination, all amounts that
        would have been payable to Executive hereunder through the date of such
        determination and continue making any other payments due with respect to
        periods of time subsequent to such determination in accordance with the
        provisions of this Agreement.

        13. Change of Control Expenses. In the event the Executive is required
to hire counsel to negotiate on his behalf in connection with his termination or
resignation from the Company upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, or in
order to enforce the rights and obligations of the Company as provided herein,
the Company shall reimburse to the Executive all reasonable attorneys' fees
which may be expended by the Executive in seeking to enforce the terms hereof.
Such reimbursement shall be paid every 30 days after the Executive provides
copies of invoices from the Executive's counsel to the Company. Such invoices
may be redacted to preserve the attorney-client privilege, client
confidentiality or work product.

        14. Section 6.3 Termination Amount Adjustment.

                (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the
        contrary, in the event that any payment (within the meaning of Section
        280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
        "Code")), or distribution to or for the benefit of the Executive,
        whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the
        terms of this Agreement or otherwise in connection with, or arising out
        of, his employment with the Company (a "Payment" or "Payments"), would
        be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any
        interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such
        excise tax (such excise tax, interest and penalties collectively
        referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then the Executive shall be entitled
        to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount,
        such that after payment by the Executive of all such taxes (including
        any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes) including
        any Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, equal to the Excise
        Tax imposed upon the Payments; provided, that the Executive shall not be
        entitled to receive any additional payment relating to any interest or
        penalties attributable to any action or commission by the Executive in
        bad faith.

                (b) An initial determination shall be made by an accounting firm
        mutually agreeable to the Company and the Executive and, if not agreed
        to within ten days after the date of termination, a national independent
        accounting firm selected by the Executive (the "Accounting Firm") as to
        whether a Gross-Up Payment is required pursuant to this Paragraph 14 and
        the amount of such Gross-Up

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        Payment. To permit the Accounting Firm to make the initial
        determination, the Company shall furnish the Accounting Firm with all
        information reasonably required for such firm to complete such
        determination as soon as practicable after the date of termination, but
        in no event more than twenty-five (25) days thereafter. All fees, costs
        and expenses (including, but not limited to, the cost of retaining
        experts) of the Accounting Firm shall be borne by the Company and the
        Company shall pay such fees, costs and expenses as they become due. The
        Accounting Firm shall provide detailed supporting calculations,
        reasonably acceptable both to the Company and the Executive within
        thirty (30) days of the date of termination, if applicable, or such
        other time as requested by the Company or by the Executive (provided the
        Executive reasonably believes that any of the Payments may be subject to
        the Excise Tax). The Gross-Up Payment, if any, as determined pursuant to
        this Paragraph 14 shall be paid by the Company to the Executive within
        five (5) business days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm's
        determination. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is
        payable by the Executive with respect to a Payment or Payments, it shall
        furnish the Executive with an opinion reasonably satisfactory to the
        Executive that no Excise Tax will be imposed with respect to any such
        Payment or Payments. Any such initial determination by the Accounting
        Firm of the Gross-Up Payment shall be binding upon the Company and the
        Executive subject to the application of this Paragraph 14.

                (c) As a result of the uncertainty in the application of
        Sections 4999 and 280G of the Code, it is possible that a Gross-Up
        Payment (or a portion thereof) will be paid which should not have been
        paid (an "Overpayment") or a Gross-Up Payment or a portion thereof which
        should have been paid will not have been paid (an "Underpayment"). An
        Underpayment shall be deemed to have occurred upon a "Final
        Determination" (as hereinafter defined) that the tax liability of the
        Executive (whether in respect of the then current taxable year of the
        Executive or in respect of any prior taxable year of the Executive) will
        be increased by reason of the imposition of the Excise Tax on a Payment
        or Payments with respect to which the Company has failed to make a
        sufficient Gross-Up Payment. An Overpayment shall be deemed to have
        occurred upon a "Final Determination" (as hereinafter defined) that the
        Excise Tax shall not be imposed (or shall be reduced) upon a Payment or
        Payments with respect to which the Executive had previously received a
        Gross-Up Payment. A Final Determination shall be deemed to have occurred
        when (i) in the case of an Overpayment, the Executive has received from
        the applicable government tax liability authority a refund of tax or
        other reduction in his tax liability imposed as a result of a Payment
        or, in the case of an Underpayment, the Executive receives notice from a
        competent governmental taxing authority that his tax liability imposed
        as a result of a Payment will be increased, and (ii) in the case of an
        Overpayment or an Underpayment, upon either (x) the date a determination
        is made by, or an agreement is entered into with, the applicable
        governmental taxing authority which finally and conclusively binds the
        Executive and such taxing authority, or in the event that a claim is
        brought before a court of competent jurisdiction, the date upon which a
        final determination has been made by such court and either all appeals
        have been taken and finally resolved or the time for all appeals have
        been taken and finally resolved or the time for all appeals has expired,
        or (y) the statute of limitations with respect to the Executive's
        applicable tax return has expired. If an Underpayment occurs, the
        Executive shall promptly notify the Company and the Company shall
        promptly pay to the Executive an additional Gross-Up Payment equal to
        the amount of the Underpayment plus an interest and penalties imposed on
        the Underpayment (other than interest and penalties attributable to any
        action or omission by the Executive in bad faith). If an Overpayment
        occurs, the amount of the Overpayment shall be treated as a loan by the
        Company to the Executive and Executive shall, within ten (10) business
        days of the occurrence of such overpayment, pay the Company the amount
        of the Overpayment, with interest computed in the same manner as for an
        Underpayment.

                (d) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the
        contrary, in the event it is determined that an Excise Tax will be
        imposed on any Payment or Payments, the Company shall pay to the
        applicable governmental taxing authorities as Excise Tax withholding,
        the amount of the Excise Tax that the Company has actually withheld from
        the Payment or Payments.

        15. Inventions Assignment. During the Term, the Executive shall promptly
disclose, and hereby grant and assign to the Company for its sole use and
benefit any and all recipes, inventions, improvements, technical information and
suggestions reasonably relating to the business of the Company or any of its

                                                                               8
<PAGE>

subsidiaries (collectively, the "Inventions") which the Executive may develop or
acquire during the Term (whether or not during usual working hours), together
with all trademarks, service marks, patent applications, letters patent,
copyrights and reissues thereof that may at any time be granted for or with
respect to the Inventions. In connection therewith, (a) the Executive shall, at
the expense of the Company (including a reasonable payment based on the
Executive's last per diem earnings with the Company) for the time involved if
the Executive is not then in the Company's or any of its subsidiaries' employ,
promptly execute and deliver such applications, assignments, descriptions and
other instruments as may be necessary or proper in the opinion of the Company to
vest title to the Inventions and any patent applications, patents, copyrights,
reissues or other proprietary rights related thereto in the Company and to
enable it to obtain and maintain the entire right and title thereto throughout
the world, and (b) the Executive shall render to the Company, at its expense
(including a reasonable payment based on the Executive's last per diem earnings
with the Company) for the time involved if the Executive is not then in the
Company's or any of its subsidiaries' employ, such reasonable assistance as the
Company may require in the prosecution of applications for said patents,
copyrights, reissues or other proprietary rights, in the prosecution or defense
of interferences which may be declared involving any said applications, patents,
copyrights or other proprietary rights and in any litigation in which the
Company or any of its subsidiaries may be involved relating to the Inventions.

        16. Assistance in Litigation. At the request and expense of the Company
(including a reasonable payment based on the Executive's last per diem earnings
with the Company) for the time involved if the Executive is not then in the
Company's or any of its subsidiaries' employ or receiving severance payments
from the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to Section 8(c)(ii)) and
upon reasonable notice, the Executive shall, at all times during and for a
period of five years after the Employment Period, furnish such information and
assistance to the Company as it may reasonably require in connection with any
issue, claim or litigation in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries may
be involved (other than any such issue, claim or litigation with respect to
which the Executive is a party adverse to the Company). During such period, the
Executive shall provide such assistance at those times and places as may be
reasonably requested by the Company and not unreasonably inconvenient to the
Executive. The Executive shall not, pursuant to this Section 16 or Section 15
hereof, be required to provide such assistance under this Section 16 or Section
15 hereof for more than three consecutive days or for an aggregate of 15 days or
more in any consecutive six-month period.

        17. Provisions Concerning Acceleration of Option Vesting. Unless
otherwise provided in the Company's stock option plans then in effect, upon the
occurrence of a Non-Negotiated Change of Control, the vesting period of any
options then held by the Executive shall automatically be accelerated unless the
option grant agreement issued to the Executive by the Compensation Committee of
the Board of Directors or the entire Board of Directors of the Company
specifically prohibits accelerated vesting. Any vesting periods applicable to
options held by the Executive will automatically be accelerated if, after
occurrence of a Non-Negotiated Change of Control, the duties or
responsibilities, working facilities or benefits provided to the Executive prior
to the date of such Non-Negotiated Change of Control are in any manner
materially diminished. In the event the Company terminates this Agreement
without cause, the vesting periods for any options then held by the Executive
shall be accelerated and the Executive shall be provided a two-year period in
which to exercise such accelerated options.

        18. Beneficiaries: References. Executive shall be entitled to select
(and change, to the extent permitted under any applicable law) a beneficiary or
beneficiaries to receive any compensation or benefit payable hereunder following
Executive's death, and may change such election, in either case by giving the
Company written notice thereof. In the event of Executive's death or a judicial
determination of his incompetence, reference in this Agreement to Executive
shall be deemed, where appropriate, to refer to his beneficiary, estate or other
legal representative, and the Company shall pay amounts payable under this
Agreement, unless otherwise provided herein, in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement, to Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors,
administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees, legatees or estate, as the case
may be. Any reference to the masculine gender in this Agreement shall include,
where appropriate, the feminine.

        19. Survival. The respective rights and obligations of the parties
hereunder shall survive any termination of this Agreement to the extent
necessary to the intended preservation of such rights and

                                                                               9
<PAGE>
obligations. The provisions of this Section 14 are in addition to the
survivorship provisions of any other section of this Agreement.

        20. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and
governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, without reference
to rules relating to conflicts of law.

        21. Effect on Prior Agreements. Except for any amendments to this
Agreement agreed to by the parties in writing from and after the date hereof,
this Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto and
supersedes in all respects any prior or other agreement or understanding between
the Company or any affiliate of the Company and Executive.

        22. Withholding. The Company shall be entitled to withhold from payment
any amount of withholding required by law.

        23. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original.

        24. Mutual Waiver of Jury Trial. BECAUSE DISPUTES ARISING IN CONNECTION
WITH COMPLEX FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS ARE MOST QUICKLY AND ECONOMICALLY RESOLVED
BY AN EXPERIENCED AND EXPERT PERSON AND THE PARTIES WISH APPLICABLE LAWS TO
APPLY (RATHER THAN ARBITRATION RULES) AND THE PARTIES DESIRE THAT THEIR DISPUTES
BE RESOLVED BY A JUDGE APPLYING SUCH APPLICABLE LAWS. THEREFORE, TO ACHIEVE THE
BEST COMBINATION OF THE BENEFITS OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND OF ARBITRATION, THE
PARTIES HERETO WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR
PROCEEDING BROUGHT TO ENFORCE OR DEFEND ANY RIGHTS OR REMEDIES UNDER THIS
AGREEMENT OR ANY DOCUMENTS RELATED HERETO.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the date set forth in the first paragraph.

                                    CENTENNIAL SPECIALTY FOODS CORPORATION

                                    By:

                                    /s/ J. Michael Miller
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                      Name:  J. Michael Miller

                                      Title: Chief Executive Officer

                                             -----------------------------------

                                    EXECUTIVE

                                    /s/ Jeffrey R. Nieder
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Jeffrey R. Nieder

                                                                              10<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.10

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

        This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT is made as of August 11, 2003, effective as of
March 1, 2003, (this "Agreement") by and between Centennial Specialty Foods
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Robert A. Beckwith
("Executive").

                                    RECITALS

        In order to induce Executive to serve as the Chief Marketing Officer of
the Company and the Company's subsidiary, Lewis Foods, Inc., the Company desires
to provide Executive with compensation and other benefits on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.

        Executive is willing to accept such employment and perform services for
the Company, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

        It is therefore hereby agreed by and between the parties as follows:

        1. Employment.

                1.1 Position. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
        Agreement, the Company agrees to employ Executive during the Term (as
        defined herein) as its Chief Marketing Officer. In his capacity as the
        Chief Marketing Officer of the Company, Executive shall report to the
        Chief Executive Officer the (the "CEO") and the Board of Directors of
        the Company (the "Board") and shall have the powers, responsibilities
        and authorities of chief marketing officers of corporations of the size,
        type and nature of the Company, as it exists from time to time, and as
        are assigned by the CEO and the Board consistent with Executive's
        position. In his capacity as Chief Marketing Officer of the Company's
        subsidiary, Lewis Foods, Inc., Executive shall report to the Chief
        Executive Officer and Board of Directors of Lewis Foods and shall have
        the powers, responsibilities and authorities of chief marketing officers
        of corporations of the size, type and nature of Lewis Foods, as it
        exists from time to time, and as are assigned by the CEO and the Board
        of Directors of Lewis Foods consistent with Executive's position. At the
        request of the Company, Executive will serve as an officer and/or
        director of any of the Company's other subsidiaries for no additional
        compensation.

                1.2 Duties. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
        Agreement, Executive hereby agrees to be employed as the Chief Marketing
        Officer of the Company and Lewis Foods and agrees to devote such working
        time and efforts (except for permitted vacation periods and reasonable
        periods of illness and other incapacity), to the best of his ability,
        experience and talent, to the performance of services, duties and
        responsibilities in connection therewith so that such performance shall
        be his primary business activity. Executive shall perform such duties
        and exercise such powers with respect to the activities of the Company,
        commensurate with his positions, as the Chief Marketing Officer of the
        Company and as a member of the Board, as the CEO and the Board shall
        from time to time reasonably delegate to him.

                1.3 Other Service. Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude
        Executive from serving on boards of directors of other companies or
        trade organizations and participating in charitable, community or
        religious activities that do not substantially interfere with his duties
        and responsibilities hereunder or conflict with the interest of the
        Company.

                1.4 Office. Executive's primary office will be located in the
        Company's office facility located in Englewood, Colorado or any other
        location reasonably acceptable to Executive.

        2. Term.

                2.1 Term of Employment. Executive's term of employment under
        this Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date (as defined
        below), and, subject to the terms hereof, shall terminate on the earlier
        of (i) the third anniversary of the Effective Date, or (ii) termination
        of Executive's employment pursuant to this Agreement (the "Term");
        provided, however, that any termination of employment by Executive
        (other than for death or Permanent Disability) or by the

                                                                               1
<PAGE>

        Company may only be made upon 90 days prior written notice to the other
        party hereto. Executive shall resign from any and all positions,
        including board memberships, held by him with the Company or any
        subsidiary of the Company upon any termination of employment.

                2.2 Effective Date. This Agreement shall be effective March 1,
        2003 (the "Effective Date").

        3. Compensation.

                3.1 Salary. The Company shall pay Executive a base salary ("Base
        Salary") at the rate of $135,000 per annum commencing on the beginning
        of Executive's term of employment hereunder. Base Salary shall be
        payable in accordance with the ordinary payroll practices of the
        Company. The Compensation Committee of the Board will review Executive's
        salary at least annually and may increase (but not reduce) Executive's
        Base Salary in its sole discretion. Once increased, such Base Salary
        shall not be reduced and, as so increased, shall constitute "Base
        Salary" hereunder.

                3.2 Annual Bonus. In addition to his Base Salary, Executive
        shall, commencing with the 2003 year and continuing each year (or fiscal
        year, if the Company shall use or adopt a fiscal year differing from the
        calendar year) hereafter, be afforded an opportunity to earn an annual
        cash bonus (the "Bonus") during the Term. The amount of such Bonus shall
        be determined in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee of
        the Board. In determining Executive's Bonus, the Compensation Committee
        will consider the actual and projected performance of the Company, the
        Executive's contribution to such performance, the compensation paid to
        chief marketing officers of other companies in the food industry that
        are similar in size and profitability to the Company, and other factors
        that the Compensation Committee shall in its sole judgment consider to
        bear on the Bonus.

        4. Employee Benefits.

                4.1 Employee Benefit Programs, Plans and Practices. Once the
        Company adopts or establishes any employee pension and welfare benefit
        programs, plans and practices (to the extent permitted under any
        employee benefit plan) that are made available to its senior executives,
        the Executive shall have the right to participate in such programs to
        the same extent, and on the same terms, as other senior executives of
        the Company.

                4.2 Vacation. While employed hereunder, Executive shall be
        entitled to no less than 20 business days paid vacation in each calendar
        year, which shall be taken at such times as are consistent with
        Executive's responsibilities hereunder.

        5. Expenses. Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in
carrying out his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. The Company
will reimburse Executive for such expenses upon presentation by Executive from
time to time of appropriately itemized and approved (consistent with the
Company's policy) accounts of such expenditures.

        6. Termination of Employment.

                6.1 Termination Without Cause. Except as provided in Section
        6.3, if Executive's employment is terminated by the Company (other than
        for Permanent Disability, death or Cause), Executive shall receive such
        payments, if any, under applicable plans or programs, including but not
        limited to those referred to in Section 4.1 hereof, to which he is
        entitled pursuant to the terms of such plans or programs, and any unpaid
        payments of Base Salary previously earned, and accrued vacation and
        expenses incurred for which Executive is entitled to reimbursement
        hereunder. If Executive is terminated under this Section 6.1, Executive
        shall also be entitled to receive:

                                                                               2
<PAGE>

                (a) severance equal to six months' of Executive's Base Salary
        paid as normal payroll over the six months following such termination of
        employment; and

                (b) continued coverage for a 12-month period under any employee
        medical, health and life insurance plans in accordance with the
        respective terms thereof applicable to active employees (other than the
        requirement of continued employment); provided, however, that payments
        and benefits due hereunder shall be reduced by any amounts owed by
        Executive to the Company.

                In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other
        employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts
        payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and
        such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains other
        employment.

                6.2 Termination For Good Reason. Except as provided in Section
        6.3, if Executive resigns for Good Reason (as defined below), Executive
        shall receive such payments, if any, under applicable plans or programs,
        including but not limited to those referred to in Section 4.1 hereof, to
        which he is entitled pursuant to the terms of such plans or programs,
        and any unpaid payments of Base Salary previously earned, and accrued
        vacation and expenses incurred for which Executive is entitled to
        reimbursement hereunder. If Executive resigns under this Section 6.2,
        Executive shall also be entitled to receive:

                (a) an amount (the "Section 6.2 Termination Amount") in lieu of
        any other cash compensation beyond that provided in the immediately
        preceding sentence, which amount shall be equal to the Executive's Base
        Salary for a 12 month period payable in a lump sum within 30 days
        following such termination of employment; provided that if such
        resignation occurs within 90 days prior to calendar year end, Executive
        shall have the option to defer payment, without interest, of the Section
        6.2 Termination Amount to January 1 of the next year; and

                (b) continued coverage for a 18-month period under any employee
        medical, health and life insurance plans in accordance with the
        respective terms thereof applicable to active employees (other than the
        requirement of continued employment); provided, however, that payments
        and benefits due hereunder shall be reduced by any amounts owed by the
        Executive to the Company.

"Good Reason" shall be defined as (i) a reduction in Executive's Base Salary,
(ii) a diminution of Executive's titles, offices, positions or authority,
excluding for this purpose an action not taken in bad faith and which is
remedied within twenty (20) days after receipt of written notice thereof given
by Executive; or the assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent with
Executive's position (including status or reporting requirements), authority, or
material responsibilities, or the removal of Executive's authority or material
responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an action not taken in bad faith
and which is remedied by the Company within twenty (20) days after receipt of
notice thereof given by Executive, (iii) a transfer of Executive's primary
workplace by more than fifty (50) miles from the current workplace unless agreed
to by the Executive in his sole discretion, excluding a transfer to the Phoenix,
Arizona metropolitan area or within the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area, (iv)
a material breach of this Agreement by the Company which is not remedied within
twenty (20) days after receipt of written notice thereof given by Executive, (v)
Executive is not the Chief Marketing Officer of Lewis Foods, or (vi) Executive
is not the Chief Marketing Officer of the Company and a member of the Board.

                6.3 Termination During a Non-Negotiated Change of Control.
        Notwithstanding Section 6.1 or 6.2, if within three months prior to or
        one year after a Non-Negotiated Change of Control (as defined below),
        Executive's employment is terminated by the Company (other than for
        Permanent Disability, death or Cause) or the Executive resigns for Good
        Reason, Executive shall receive such payments, if any, under applicable
        plans or programs, including but not limited to those referred to in
        Section 4.1 hereof, to which he is entitled pursuant to the terms of
        such plans or programs, and any unpaid payments of Base Salary
        previously earned and accrued vacation and expenses incurred for which
        Executive is entitled to reimbursement hereunder. If Executive is
        terminated or resigns under this Section 6.3, Executive shall also be
        entitled to receive:

                                                                               3
<PAGE>

                (a) an amount (the "Section 6.3 Termination Amount") in lieu of
        any other cash compensation beyond that provided in the immediately
        preceding sentence, which amount shall be equal to two and ninety nine
        one hundredths (2.99) times Executive's annual Base Salary; provided
        that if such termination or resignation occurs within 90 days prior to
        calendar year end, Executive shall have the option to defer payment,
        without interest, of the Section 6.3 Termination Amount to January 1 of
        the next year; and

                (b) continued coverage for a 30-month period under any employee
        medical, health and life insurance plans in accordance with the
        respective terms thereof applicable to active employees (other than the
        requirement of continued employment); provided, however, that payments
        and benefits due hereunder shall be reduced by any amounts owed by the
        Executive to the Company.

A Non-Negotiated Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred upon both of
the following occurring after the date of the Company's initial public offering,
subject in each case to the requirement that the Board of Directors of the
Company shall have failed and/or refused to approve the Change of Control
transaction and, regardless of such failure or refusal, a Change in Control
occurs, defined as: (A) any individual, entity, or group (within the meaning of
Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act")), other than James E. Lewis or any entity or organization
controlled by such person (collectively, the "Lewis Affiliates"), beneficially
owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) or
acquires 20% or more of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting
securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors ("Voting Power"); and (B) such beneficial ownership (as so defined) by
such individual, entity or group of more than 20% of the Voting Power then
exceeds the beneficial ownership (as so defined) by the Lewis Affiliates of the
Voting Power.

                6.4 Permanent Disability. If Executive is unable to engage in
        the activities required by Executive's job by reason of any medically
        determined physical or mental impairment which has lasted or can be
        expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6)
        consecutive months ("Permanent Disability"), the Company or Executive
        may terminate Executive's employment on written notice thereof, and
        Executive shall receive or commence receiving, as soon as practicable
        accrued but unpaid Base Salary and such payments under applicable plans
        or programs, including but not limited to those referred to in Sections
        4.1, 4.2 and 5 hereof, to which he is entitled pursuant to the terms of
        such plans or programs. The Company shall obtain a disability insurance
        policy in an amount that shall entitle Executive to be paid a minimum of
        15 months' Base Salary if Executive is found to have a Permanent
        Disability. If the Company has no such policy in effect at the time
        Executive is determined to have a Permanent Disability, the Company
        shall pay Executive's Base Salary for a 15 month period following such
        determination. The benefits described above are payable to Executive
        only in the event Executive is employed by the Company at the time the
        Permanent Disability arises.

                6.5 Death. In the event of Executive's death during the Term,
        Executive's estate or designated beneficiaries shall receive or commence
        receiving, as soon as practicable, accrued but unpaid Base Salary and
        such payments under applicable plans or programs, including but not
        limited to those referred to in Sections 4.1, 4.2 and 5 hereof, to which
        Executive's estate or designated beneficiaries are entitled pursuant to
        the terms of such plans or programs. The Company shall obtain a life
        insurance policy on the life of the Executive as to which the Company
        shall pay the premiums and as to which the Executive shall have the
        right to determine the beneficiary. The benefits payable under such
        policy shall be equal to a minimum of 18 months' Base Salary being paid
        to the Executive at the time of his death. If the Company has no such
        policy in effect at the time Executive dies, the Company shall pay
        Executive's Base Salary to the Executive's estate for an 18 month period
        following Executive's death. The foregoing benefits are payable only so
        long as the Executive's death occurs while he is employed by the
        Company.

                6.6 Termination for Cause; Resignation by Executive.

                (a) The Company shall have the right to terminate the employment
        of Executive for Cause. In the event that Executive's employment is
        terminated by the Company for Cause or by Executive for any reason
        (other than by Executive for Good Reason or as a result of the
        Executive's

                                                                               4
<PAGE>
        Permanent Disability or death) during the Term, Executive shall not be
        entitled to the payment of any compensation otherwise included under
        this Agreement. After the termination of Executive's employment under
        this Section 6.6, the obligations of the Company under this Agreement to
        make any further payments, or provide any benefits specified herein, to
        Executive shall thereupon cease and terminate.

                (b) As used herein, the term "Cause" shall be limited to any of
        the following from and after the date hereof: (i) any willful breach of
        any material written policy of the Company that results in material and
        demonstrable liability or loss to the Company; (ii) the engaging by
        Executive in conduct involving moral turpitude that causes material and
        demonstrable injury, monetarily or otherwise, to the Company, including,
        but not limited to, misappropriation or conversion of assets of the
        Company (other than immaterial assets); (iii) the charging of Executive
        with, or conviction of or entry of a plea of nolo contendere to, a
        felony; or (iv) a material breach of this Agreement by engaging in
        action in violation of the restrictive covenants in this Agreement. No
        act or failure to act by the Executive shall be deemed "willful" if
        done, or omitted to be done, by him in good faith and with the
        reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest
        of the Company.

        7. Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by the
indemnification provisions of the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the
Company in effect as of the date of this Agreement and the indemnification
provisions of the corporation statute of the jurisdiction of the Company's
incorporation in effect from time to time (collectively, the "Indemnification
Provisions"), and in each case subject to the conditions hereof, the Company
shall (i) indemnify Executive, as a director and officer of the Company or a
subsidiary of the Company or a trustee or fiduciary of an employee benefit plan
of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company, or, if Executive shall be serving
in such capacity at the Company's written request, as a director or officer of
any other corporation (other than a subsidiary of the Company) or as a trustee
or fiduciary of an employee benefit plan not sponsored by the Company or a
subsidiary of the Company, against all liabilities and reasonable expenses that
may be incurred by Executive in any threatened, pending, or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal or administrative, or investigative
and whether formal or informal, because Executive is or was a director or
officer of the Company, a director or officer of such other corporation or a
trustee or fiduciary of such employee benefit plan, and against which Executive
may be indemnified by the Company, and (ii) pay for or reimburse the reasonable
expenses incurred by Executive in the defense of any proceeding to which
Executive is a party because Executive is or was a director or officer of the
Company, a director or officer of such other corporation or a trustee or
fiduciary of such employee benefit plan. The rights of Executive under the
Indemnification Provisions shall survive the termination of the employment of
Executive by the Company.

        8. Notices. All notices or communications hereunder shall be in writing,
addressed as follows:

                To the Company:

                Centennial Specialty Foods Corporation
                400 Inverness Parkway
                Suite 200
                Englewood, Colorado  80112
                Attn: Secretary

                with copies to:

                Robert W. Walter, Esq.
                Berliner, Zisser, Walter & McDonald, P.C.
                1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 4700
                Denver, Colorado 80203

                To Executive:

                Mr. Robert A. Beckwith

                                                                               5
<PAGE>

Any such notice or communication shall be delivered by hand or by courier or
sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid,
addressed as above (or to such other address as such party may designate in a
notice duty delivered as described above), and the third business day after the
actual date of mailing shall constitute the time at which notice was given.

        9. Separability; Legal Fees. If any provision of this Agreement shall be
declared to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such invalidity or
unenforceability shall not affect the remaining provisions hereof which shall
remain in full force and effect. The non-prevailing party shall bear the costs
of any legal fees and other fees and expenses which may be incurred by the
prevailing party in respect of enforcing its respective rights under this
Agreement except as otherwise provided herein.

        10. Assignment. This contract shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the heirs and representatives of Executive and the assigns, and
successors of the Company, but neither this Agreement nor any rights or
obligations hereunder shall be assignable or otherwise subject to hypothecation
by Executive (except by will or by operation of the laws of intestate
succession) or by the Company, except that the Company may assign this Agreement
to any successor (whether by merger, purchase or otherwise) to all or
substantially all of the stock, assets or businesses of the Company, if such
successor expressly agrees to assume the obligations of the Company hereunder.

        11. Amendment. This Agreement may only be amended by written agreement
of the parties hereto.

        12. Nondisclosure of Confidential Information: Non-Competition.

                (a) Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of
        the Company, use, divulge, disclose or make accessible to any other
        person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity any Confidential
        Information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its
        affiliates, except (i) while employed by the Company, in the business of
        and for the benefit of the Company, or (ii) as required by law. For
        purposes of this Section 12(a), "Confidential Information" shall mean
        non-public information concerning the financial data, strategic business
        plans, product development (or other proprietary product or recipe
        data), customer lists, marketing, acquisition and divestiture plans and
        other non-public, proprietary and confidential information of the
        Company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates, retained marketing firms or
        retailing or foodservice customers (the "Restricted Group") or suppliers
        (including, without limitation, any co-pack operator) or vendors that,
        in any case, is not otherwise available to the public (other than by
        Executive's breach of the terms hereof).

                (b) During the period of his employment hereunder and for one
        year thereafter (except in the case where Executive terminates his
        employment with the Company for the Good Reason event described in
        clause (v) of the definition of "Good Reason"), Executive agrees that,
        without the prior written consent of the Company, (A) he will not,
        directly or indirectly, either as principal, manager, agent, consultant,
        officer, stockholder, partner, investor, lender or employee or in any
        other capacity, carry on, be engaged in, or have any financial interest
        in, any business in Competition (as defined in Section 12(c)) with the
        business of the Restricted Group and (B) he shall not, on his own behalf
        or on behalf of any person, firm or company, directly or indirectly,
        solicit or hire for the benefit of anyone, other than the Restricted
        Group, any person who is, or was at any time during the six (6) months
        immediately preceding the time of the solicitation or hiring by
        Executive employed by the Restricted Group (other than Executive's
        secretary or other administrative employee who worked directly for him).

                (c) For purposes of this Section 12, a business shall be deemed
        to be in "Competition" with the Restricted Group if it manufactures,
        sells or distributes ethnic Southwestern or Mexican foods or sauces
        through retail locations within ten (10) miles of any manufacturing,
        co-packing or retail location in which the Company's ethnic Southwestern
        foods or sauces are sold, manufactured or co-packed by a member of the
        Restricted Group. Nothing in this Section 12 shall be construed so as to
        preclude Executive from investing in a publicly or privately held
        company, provided Executive's beneficial ownership of any class of such
        company's securities does not exceed 4% of the outstanding securities of
        such class.

                                                                               6
<PAGE>

                (d) Executive and the Company agree that this covenant not to
        compete is a reasonable covenant under the circumstances, and further
        agree that if in the opinion of any court of competent jurisdiction such
        restraint is not reasonable in any respect, such court shall have the
        right, power and authority to excise or modify such provision or
        provisions of this covenant as to the court shall appear not reasonable
        and to enforce the remainder of the covenant as so amended. Executive
        agrees that any breach of the covenants contained in this Section 12
        would irreparably injure the Company. Accordingly, Executive agrees that
        the Company may, in addition to pursuing any other remedies it may have
        in equity, obtain an injunction against Executive from any court having
        jurisdiction over the matter restraining any further violation of this
        Agreement by Executive and cease making any payments otherwise required
        by this Agreement; provided, however, that in the event a court of
        competent jurisdiction, which recognizes the validity of the provisions
        of this Section 12, finds Executive not to be in violation of the
        provisions of this Section 12, then the Company shall pay to Executive,
        in a lump sum, within ten days of such determination, all amounts that
        would have been payable to Executive hereunder through the date of such
        determination and continue making any other payments due with respect to
        periods of time subsequent to such determination in accordance with the
        provisions of this Agreement.

        13. Change of Control Expenses. In the event the Executive is required
to hire counsel to negotiate on his behalf in connection with his termination or
resignation from the Company upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, or in
order to enforce the rights and obligations of the Company as provided herein,
the Company shall reimburse to the Executive all reasonable attorneys' fees
which may be expended by the Executive in seeking to enforce the terms hereof.
Such reimbursement shall be paid every 30 days after the Executive provides
copies of invoices from the Executive's counsel to the Company. Such invoices
may be redacted to preserve the attorney-client privilege, client
confidentiality or work product.

        14. Section 6.3 Termination Amount Adjustment.

                (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the
        contrary, in the event that any payment (within the meaning of Section
        280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
        "Code")), or distribution to or for the benefit of the Executive,
        whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the
        terms of this Agreement or otherwise in connection with, or arising out
        of, his employment with the Company (a "Payment" or "Payments"), would
        be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any
        interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such
        excise tax (such excise tax, interest and penalties collectively
        referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then the Executive shall be entitled
        to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount,
        such that after payment by the Executive of all such taxes (including
        any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes) including
        any Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, equal to the Excise
        Tax imposed upon the Payments; provided, that the Executive shall not be
        entitled to receive any additional payment relating to any interest or
        penalties attributable to any action or commission by the Executive in
        bad faith.

                (b) An initial determination shall be made by an accounting firm
        mutually agreeable to the Company and the Executive and, if not agreed
        to within ten days after the date of termination, a national independent
        accounting firm selected by the Executive (the "Accounting Firm") as to
        whether a Gross-Up Payment is required pursuant to this Paragraph 14 and
        the amount of such Gross-Up Payment. To permit the Accounting Firm to
        make the initial determination, the Company shall furnish the Accounting
        Firm with all information reasonably required for such firm to complete
        such determination as soon as practicable after the date of termination,
        but in no event more than twenty-five (25) days thereafter. All fees,
        costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, the cost of retaining
        experts) of the Accounting Firm shall be borne by the Company and the
        Company shall pay such fees, costs and expenses as they become due. The
        Accounting Firm shall provide detailed supporting calculations,
        reasonably acceptable both to the Company and the Executive within
        thirty (30) days of the date of termination, if applicable, or such
        other time as requested by the Company or by the Executive (provided the
        Executive reasonably believes that any of the Payments may be subject to
        the Excise Tax). The Gross-Up Payment, if any, as determined pursuant to
        this Paragraph 14 shall be paid by the Company to the Executive within
        five (5) business days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm's
        determination. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is
        payable by the

                                                                               7
<PAGE>

        Executive with respect to a Payment or Payments, it shall furnish the
        Executive with an opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Executive that
        no Excise Tax will be imposed with respect to any such Payment or
        Payments. Any such initial determination by the Accounting Firm of the
        Gross-Up Payment shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive
        subject to the application of this Paragraph 14.

                (c) As a result of the uncertainty in the application of
        Sections 4999 and 280G of the Code, it is possible that a Gross-Up
        Payment (or a portion thereof) will be paid which should not have been
        paid (an "Overpayment") or a Gross-Up Payment or a portion thereof which
        should have been paid will not have been paid (an "Underpayment"). An
        Underpayment shall be deemed to have occurred upon a "Final
        Determination" (as hereinafter defined) that the tax liability of the
        Executive (whether in respect of the then current taxable year of the
        Executive or in respect of any prior taxable year of the Executive) will
        be increased by reason of the imposition of the Excise Tax on a Payment
        or Payments with respect to which the Company has failed to make a
        sufficient Gross-Up Payment. An Overpayment shall be deemed to have
        occurred upon a "Final Determination" (as hereinafter defined) that the
        Excise Tax shall not be imposed (or shall be reduced) upon a Payment or
        Payments with respect to which the Executive had previously received a
        Gross-Up Payment. A Final Determination shall be deemed to have occurred
        when (i) in the case of an Overpayment, the Executive has received from
        the applicable government tax liability authority a refund of tax or
        other reduction in his tax liability imposed as a result of a Payment
        or, in the case of an Underpayment, the Executive receives notice from a
        competent governmental taxing authority that his tax liability imposed
        as a result of a Payment will be increased, and (ii) in the case of an
        Overpayment or an Underpayment, upon either (x) the date a determination
        is made by, or an agreement is entered into with, the applicable
        governmental taxing authority which finally and conclusively binds the
        Executive and such taxing authority, or in the event that a claim is
        brought before a court of competent jurisdiction, the date upon which a
        final determination has been made by such court and either all appeals
        have been taken and finally resolved or the time for all appeals have
        been taken and finally resolved or the time for all appeals has expired,
        or (y) the statute of limitations with respect to the Executive's
        applicable tax return has expired. If an Underpayment occurs, the
        Executive shall promptly notify the Company and the Company shall
        promptly pay to the Executive an additional Gross-Up Payment equal to
        the amount of the Underpayment plus an interest and penalties imposed on
        the Underpayment (other than interest and penalties attributable to any
        action or omission by the Executive in bad faith). If an Overpayment
        occurs, the amount of the Overpayment shall be treated as a loan by the
        Company to the Executive and Executive shall, within ten (10) business
        days of the occurrence of such overpayment, pay the Company the amount
        of the Overpayment, with interest computed in the same manner as for an
        Underpayment.

                (d) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the
        contrary, in the event it is determined that an Excise Tax will be
        imposed on any Payment or Payments, the Company shall pay to the
        applicable governmental taxing authorities as Excise Tax withholding,
        the amount of the Excise Tax that the Company has actually withheld from
        the Payment or Payments.

        15. Inventions Assignment. During the Term, the Executive shall promptly
disclose, and hereby grant and assign to the Company for its sole use and
benefit any and all recipes, inventions, improvements, technical information and
suggestions reasonably relating to the business of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries (collectively, the "Inventions") which the Executive may develop or
acquire during the Term (whether or not during usual working hours), together
with all trademarks, service marks, patent applications, letters patent,
copyrights and reissues thereof that may at any time be granted for or with
respect to the Inventions. In connection therewith, (a) the Executive shall, at
the expense of the Company (including a reasonable payment based on the
Executive's last per diem earnings with the Company) for the time involved if
the Executive is not then in the Company's or any of its subsidiaries' employ,
promptly execute and deliver such applications, assignments, descriptions and
other instruments as may be necessary or proper in the opinion of the Company to
vest title to the Inventions and any patent applications, patents, copyrights,
reissues or other proprietary rights related thereto in the Company and to
enable it to obtain and maintain the entire right and title thereto throughout
the world, and (b) the Executive shall render to the Company, at its expense
(including a reasonable payment based on the Executive's last per diem earnings
with the Company) for the time involved if the Executive is not then in the
Company's or any of its

                                                                               8
<PAGE>

subsidiaries' employ, such reasonable assistance as the Company may require in
the prosecution of applications for said patents, copyrights, reissues or other
proprietary rights, in the prosecution or defense of interferences which may be
declared involving any said applications, patents, copyrights or other
proprietary rights and in any litigation in which the Company or any of its
subsidiaries may be involved relating to the Inventions.

        16. Assistance in Litigation. At the request and expense of the Company
(including a reasonable payment based on the Executive's last per diem earnings
with the Company) for the time involved if the Executive is not then in the
Company's or any of its subsidiaries' employ or receiving severance payments
from the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to Section 8(c)(ii)) and
upon reasonable notice, the Executive shall, at all times during and for a
period of five years after the Employment Period, furnish such information and
assistance to the Company as it may reasonably require in connection with any
issue, claim or litigation in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries may
be involved (other than any such issue, claim or litigation with respect to
which the Executive is a party adverse to the Company). During such period, the
Executive shall provide such assistance at those times and places as may be
reasonably requested by the Company and not unreasonably inconvenient to the
Executive. The Executive shall not, pursuant to this Section 16 or Section 15
hereof, be required to provide such assistance under this Section 16 or Section
15 hereof for more than three consecutive days or for an aggregate of 15 days or
more in any consecutive six-month period.

        17. Provisions Concerning Acceleration of Option Vesting. Unless
otherwise provided in the Company's stock option plans then in effect, upon the
occurrence of a Non-Negotiated Change of Control, the vesting period of any
options then held by the Executive shall automatically be accelerated unless the
option grant agreement issued to the Executive by the Compensation Committee of
the Board of Directors or the entire Board of Directors of the Company
specifically prohibits accelerated vesting. Any vesting periods applicable to
options held by the Executive will automatically be accelerated if, after
occurrence of a Non-Negotiated Change of Control, the duties or
responsibilities, working facilities or benefits provided to the Executive prior
to the date of such Non-Negotiated Change of Control are in any manner
materially diminished. In the event the Company terminates this Agreement
without cause, the vesting periods for any options then held by the Executive
shall be accelerated and the Executive shall be provided a two-year period in
which to exercise such accelerated options.

        18. Beneficiaries: References. Executive shall be entitled to select
(and change, to the extent permitted under any applicable law) a beneficiary or
beneficiaries to receive any compensation or benefit payable hereunder following
Executive's death, and may change such election, in either case by giving the
Company written notice thereof. In the event of Executive's death or a judicial
determination of his incompetence, reference in this Agreement to Executive
shall be deemed, where appropriate, to refer to his beneficiary, estate or other
legal representative, and the Company shall pay amounts payable under this
Agreement, unless otherwise provided herein, in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement, to Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors,
administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees, legatees or estate, as the case
may be. Any reference to the masculine gender in this Agreement shall include,
where appropriate, the feminine.

        19. Survival. The respective rights and obligations of the parties
hereunder shall survive any termination of this Agreement to the extent
necessary to the intended preservation of such rights and obligations. The
provisions of this Section 14 are in addition to the survivorship provisions of
any other section of this Agreement.

        20. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and
governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, without reference
to rules relating to conflicts of law.

        21. Effect on Prior Agreements. Except for any amendments to this
Agreement agreed to by the parties in writing from and after the date hereof,
this Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto and
supersedes in all respects any prior or other agreement or understanding between
the Company or any affiliate of the Company and Executive.

        22. Withholding. The Company shall be entitled to withhold from payment
any amount of withholding required by law.

                                                                               9
<PAGE>
        23. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original.

        24. Mutual Waiver of Jury Trial. BECAUSE DISPUTES ARISING IN CONNECTION
WITH COMPLEX FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS ARE MOST QUICKLY AND ECONOMICALLY RESOLVED
BY AN EXPERIENCED AND EXPERT PERSON AND THE PARTIES WISH APPLICABLE LAWS TO
APPLY (RATHER THAN ARBITRATION RULES) AND THE PARTIES DESIRE THAT THEIR DISPUTES
BE RESOLVED BY A JUDGE APPLYING SUCH APPLICABLE LAWS. THEREFORE, TO ACHIEVE THE
BEST COMBINATION OF THE BENEFITS OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND OF ARBITRATION, THE
PARTIES HERETO WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR
PROCEEDING BROUGHT TO ENFORCE OR DEFEND ANY RIGHTS OR REMEDIES UNDER THIS
AGREEMENT OR ANY DOCUMENTS RELATED HERETO.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the date set forth in the first paragraph.

                                       CENTENNIAL SPECIALTY FOODS CORPORATION

                                       By:

                                       /s/ J. Michael Miller
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                             Name:  J. Michael Miller

                                             Title: Chief Executive Officer

                                                    ----------------------------

                                       EXECUTIVE

                                       /s/ Robert A. Beckwith
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Robert A. Beckwith

                                                                              10

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