EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Exhibit 10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), made this 30th day of September, 2005 is entered into by Central Garden & Pet Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Bradley P. Johnson (“Executive”).

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive and the Executive desires to be employed by the Company.

In consideration of mutual covenants and promises contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

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a) The Company will work with a third party relocation service to arrange for the relocation service to purchase Executive’s current primary residence based upon the average of three (3) independent appraisals,

b) The Company will reimburse reasonable house hunting expenses for Executive and his family,

c) The Company will reimburse all reasonable and customary real estate sale and purchase closing costs,

d) The Company will pay all usual and customary moving costs associated with relocation, including packing, unpacking, shipping, in-transit travel for Executive and his family traveling to new location, temporary living expenses for a reasonable time period not to exceed 120 days, appliance disconnect and reconnection costs, and transportation of two (2) automobiles. The Company shall not be responsible for the costs associated with the relocation of large and unusual items such as livestock, horses, boats, recreational vehicles, antique automobiles, firewood or large household items such as pianos, or other similar items,

e) The Company will reimburse Executive, monthly, an amount equal to the difference in interest cost in your current home and the interest cost of your new home in the Walnut Creek, CA area subject to the approval by the Company. 100% of the equity from Executive’s current residence must be applied to the purchase of the new residence. Such reimbursement shall be based upon the following schedule: first year of ownership - 100 % of the differential, second year of ownership – 90% of the differential, third year of ownership – 75% of the differential, fourth year of ownership – 50% of the differential, fifth year of ownership – 25% of the differential, and the sixth year and beyond – 0% of the differential.

f) All monies paid on behalf of the Executive under this provision that is considered income under IRS code shall be grossed-up on a one time basis.

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Payment of this transition fee is conditioned on Executive remaining employed with the Company for two (2) years from the date of this Agreement. If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for cause or by the Executive other than for Material Breach, Executive is not eligible to receive any part of this transition fee and is required to repay within ten (10) days of his termination date any portion of this transition fee that may already have been paid.

a) An act of fraud, embezzlement or theft;

b) An act or omission constituting negligence or misconduct which is materially injurious to the Company;

c) A violation of the Noncompetition Agreement between the parties contained herein;

d) A material violation of this Agreement by Executive, which is not cured within 30 days after written notice thereof; or

e) Executive’s disability or incapacity pursuant to Section 10 above.

f) Executive’s death.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this agreement the day and year first above written.

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