About
Who We Are
Forbidden Fruit was established in 1981 and has been woman owned and operated since 1987. We run on a small staff of professionals who are dedicated to your heath, sexual education & freedom of sexual expression. Our family based operation ensures quality in service and information for our clientele. We are well versed in everything from your first vibrator to all things that go thwack! slap! and zap! in the night (or the afternoon). From vanilla to hardcore, we have the accouterments to bring your fantasies to life.
For the past 20 years, Forbidden Fruit has consistently won both readers and critics poll awards for it’s superior customer service, outstanding mix of products, and dedicated service to the community.
Accolades include:
Kudos from Bust Magazine – “Best Lingerie/Naughty” 1997-2012
Austin Chronicle – “Best Adult Business" 1997-2024
The Texas Triangle – “Best Adult Toy Store”
Our Mission
Simply put, we strive to foster sexual self-awareness and communication, to educate and inform our community and support lifestyle needs. We strive to make you feel comfortable and safe, to answer your questions, offer solutions, and make sure you find what you’re looking for.
Our staff aims to nurture sexual self-awareness, acceptance, and a sense of humor about our bodies, our sexuality, our hang-ups and our kinks. We encourage ourselves and others to explore, experience, and accept new facets of sexuality. We want to nourish those desires and needs that we have already accepted with love, consent, and high-quality product
STAFF
Lynn Raridon began working at Forbidden Fruit in 1982, one year after the store opened. Original owner/founder Mark Garfinkel pioneered the concept of the Home Party Sale in Austin and Lynn became one of the first presenters, then worked the counter and managed the shop from 1983-87. She purchased the business in 1987 and with her staff has made it into the iconic and award winning business it is today. In 2011, her sister and long time employee/manager Jere Raridon became a full partner and co-owner of Forbidden Fruit. Lynn has been an adjunct faculty member in the Kinesiology Department at Austin Community College since 1987. Blissfully married, she is the mother of one. A woman of many talents, Lynn earned her BFA in dance from the University of Texas in 1983.
Lynn choreographed and directed musicals in Austin from 1982-2004. At that time, transitioned her directing talents into the burlesque revival started in Austin by Kitty Kitty Bang Bang. During that time, she served as consulting artistic director, choreographed 3 signature pieces, and added to numerous others for the troupe. Currently, Lynn directs most of her talents to event production and serves as Director and Co-Producer of the Texas Burlesque Festival (2008-present) and Co-producer and Talent coordinator for The Austin Zombie Ball (2011-present). She is a proud and very active member of the Austin Burlesque Alliance. Lynn is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for the State of Texas (small mammals/raccoon specialist) and a Director of the Bill Hicks Wildlife Foundation and Wolfdog Rescue since 1998.
Jere Raridon has been an integral part of the company’s many faces and phases since 1992. She managed the body arts salon on 6th Street from 1995-2004. In 2011, she became fully invested with her sister as co-owner of Forbidden Fruit in its current manifestation. As co-owner, one of Jere’s missions is having a strong dedication to our patrons needs by ensuring that Forbidden Fruit is always stocked with a great selection of quality merchandise at the right price and purchasing from and supporting local toy makers. Jere founded the Bill Hicks Wildlife Foundation in 1992 and is a small mammals and raccoon specialist. She absolutely lives for her work with the animal rescue program and is the current caretaker of the wolfdogs, Balthazar and Arthus, who can often be seen hanging out in the office of the Fruit!
Kitchi was a beloved friend of Forbidden Fruit, its staff, and clientele. Kitchi means “Great Spirit” in many Algonquian languages. After escaping his cell at the animal shelter at least three times, he was rescued from state custody and euthanasia by the good people at the Bill Hicks Wildlife Foundation. He became a trusted companion to Jere Raridon, one of Forbidden Fruit’s owners and founder of the Wildlife Foundation. He took to his final rest in 2014. Namaste, old friend.
Jonny Reynolds is our General Manager, a founding member of the Bat City Bombshells Burlesque, and the heir-apparent to the Raridon sisters. He has been producing shows throughout Austin since 2009 from the Red Shed down south, throughout downtown, and as far north as Dallas. In 2012, he took over the front of house staffing and box office responsibilities for the Texas Burlesque Festival. His study of all things “kink” began years ago when he moved from Las Vegas to Texas and asked the question “Why is this forbidden, but that is not?” The exploration of this question has provided him with the knowledge and resources to truly be considered a Sexpert and educator.
