jobTopia with Tony Moore

jobTopia with Tony Moore

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jobTopia with Tony Moore episodes

  • Deliciously Instagramable: How To Create A Brand Ambassador Program with Annie Slabotsky, GoNanas Co-Founder

    Deliciously Instagramable: How To Create A Brand Ambassador Program with Annie Slabotsky, GoNanas Co-Founder

    In this episode, Annie Slabotsky, Co-Founder of Go Nanas joins me to discuss Instagramable food and their self-feeding brand ambassador program.

    What Makes Food Instagramable?

    People tend to post on Instagram what they're proud of, such as cakes or muffins they've made.

    Origin Story of Go Nanas:

    Annie's passion for baking led her to start making themed gift bags during college, always including her favorite banana bread.

    Annie met Morgan, and their shared love for baking and banana bread led to selling loaves as a side hustle on a campus lacking healthy options.

    The business quickly expanded into foodservice sales but pivoted to online sales during the pandemic, which proved successful and led to their current scalable and shelf-stable business model.

    The Ambassador Program:

    Go Nana’s has over 2,600 ambassadors!!

    Ambassadors are rewarded with events, social incentives, free products, merchandise, and a percentage of sales.

    Their Instagramable product attracts more people to join the program, contributing to its growth.

    Influencer Collaboration and Brand Relevance:

    Go Nana’s has an influencer program for sponsored posts, but the return on investment can be challenging to measure.

    Co-branded limited-edition product releases with influencers and a revenue share model are strategies employed to maintain brand relevance and increase reach.

    Community Building and Event Engagement:

    Building a community around the founders and brand ambassadors is vital for brand success and Instagramability.

    Events, both virtual and in-person, foster connections and provide valuable feedback for brand growth, with brand ambassadors being the guiding stars.

    Making Your Brand Instagramable:

    Brands can achieve Instagramability through authentic engagement, community building, and collaboration, showcasing passion and purpose to create a captivating online presence.

    Season 3, Episode 59:

    GoNanas:

    • Website
  • Linkedin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Bite Into Business Podcast
  • GoNanas App on Apple App Store & Google Play
  • Connect with Annie

    Connect with Tony

    About me and my mission and the podcast:

    Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry?  The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.

    I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies. 

     

    Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:

    Searching for distributor or broker partners? 

    Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?

    Searching for the right person to add to the team?

    My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow. 

    Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)

     

    Contact me: [email protected]

    Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands

    Join Our Community

    Music from Uppbeat and ZapSplat

    https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/get-the-funk-in
    License code: SF3WUKBUJQULFHXE

    TIKTOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | LINKEDIN PAGE | LINKEDIN GROUP

    34 min
  • Blending Flavors, Cultures & Sustainability with Crossover Quality Meats CEO, Michelle Adelman

    Welcome Winners to another episode of W@W!

    Today I bring you Michelle Adelman, CEO of Crossover Quality Meats and Accite Holdings.

    Crossover Meats innovatively blends various types of meat to create a better ground beef product, including chicken with beef, chicken with pork, and chicken with lamb.

    The resulting product is all-natural, more sustainable, and maintains excellent taste.

     

    Exploring Crossover Meats:

    Crossover Meats blends chicken with different meats to create a new ground beef experience.

    The meat is sourced naturally and is focused on sustainability without compromising on taste.

    Highlighting the innovation of blending chicken with beef, pork, and lamb as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional all-beef products.

     

    The Crossover Experience:

    Join us as we delve behind the scenes to uncover the story and inspiration behind Crossover Meats.

    The host samples a Crossover burger, providing a firsthand account of the taste and quality.

     

    Availability and Future Prospects:

    Crossover Meats will soon be available in retail stores, providing an opportunity for listeners to try the product.

    Encouraging direct purchases to experience the product and judge for themselves.

     

    The Clever Blend:

    Discussing the advantages of blending chicken with other meats, particularly its cost-effectiveness and sustainability compared to all-beef products.

    Highlighting the importance of having frozen protein options for convenience and preparation for the future.

     

    Michelle's Global Perspective:

    Michelle Adelman, an experienced business traveler, shares her insights from exploring various parts of the world.

    Michelle takes us on a journey to Africa, the origin of Crossover Meats' story, providing a unique and culturally rich perspective.

    Season 3, Episode 58:

    Crossover Quality Meats:

    • Website
  • Linkedin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Connect with Michelle

    Connect with Tony

    About me and my mission and the podcast:

    Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry?  The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.

    I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies. 

     

    Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:

    Searching for distributor or broker partners? 

    Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?

    Searching for the right person to add to the team?

    My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow. 

    Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)

     

    Contact me: [email protected]

    Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands

    Join Our Community

    Music from Uppbeat and ZapSplat

    https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/get-the-funk-in
    License code: SF3WUKBUJQULFHXE

    TIKTOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | LINKEDIN PAGE | LINKEDIN GROUP

    41 min
  • Live from Natural Products Expo East with Filip Keuppens, Pickle Juice and Matt Kovacs, Blaze PR.

    Join Filip and Matt as they politely ambush exhibitors at EXPO EAST (Sept 20-23 in Philadelphia, PA, USA).

    These are the 10 brands they interviewed on the fly.

    Filip is the EVP at The Pickle Juice Company - https://picklepower.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/fkeuppens/

    I love this hysterical "non-profit" they set up https://savethepickles.org/

     

    Lift Bar - https://liftbar.com/

    Bone Suckin' Foods - https://bonesuckin.com/

    Manuka Honey (New Zeland) 

    Fire Department Coffee - https://www.firedeptcoffee.com/

    Natural Endurance - https://naturalendurance.com/

    Araza Natural Purees LLC - https://arazapurees.com/

    Miracle Noodle - https://miraclenoodle.com/

    Awake Chocolate - https://awakechocolate.com/

    Prime Shrimp - https://www.primeshrimp.com/

    Pocono

    Matt Kovacs is the President of Blaze PR and has appeared numerous times on the podcast. He can be reached here -https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjkovacs/

    Season 3 Episode 58

    Connect with Tony

    About me and my mission and the podcast:

    Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry?  The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.

    I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies. 

     

    Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:

    Searching for distributor or broker partners? 

    Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?

    Searching for the right person to add to the team?

    My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow. 

    Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)

     

    Contact me: [email protected]

    Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands

    Join Our Community

    Music from Uppbeat and ZapSplat

    https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/get-the-funk-in
    License code: SF3WUKBUJQULFHXE

    TIKTOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | LINKEDIN PAGE | LINKEDIN GROUP

     

    23 min
  • Noble Made Nutrition: A Conversation with The New Primal CEO, Jason Burke

    Welcome to W@W! In this episode, I bring you The New Primal, a company that's all about bringing families back to the table with simple, good-for-you products. We're joined by CEO, Jason Burke. You will enjoy his unique origin story, and discover the Nobel Made brand and how it's revolutionizing the way we approach nutrition and healthy living.

    The New Primal Mission

    The New Primal's mission is all about reconnecting families at the dining table with their range of simple, nutritious products. This vision was born out of a personal journey toward a healthier lifestyle after a family tragedy related to diet and nutrition.

    Jason's Journey Begins at Work

    Jason's odyssey towards healthy living and cooking started with overcoming a sweet tooth craving at work. He began crafting homemade snacks and jerky, which soon gained immense popularity among his co-workers. This kick-started The New Primal's journey as a brand.

    Continuing a Legacy

    Jason's motivation is deeply rooted in the legacy of his mother, who nurtured and fed her community with open doors and tables for everyone. Jason strives to carry forward this legacy, evident in the mission and values imprinted on the back of their sauces.

    The Role of Sauces and Marinades

    The sauces and marinades by The New Primal spark endless creativity and user-generated content. These play a crucial role in driving sales and marketing, inspiring consumers to experiment and share their culinary experiences.

    Addressing the Sugar Dilemma

    Jason highlights the concerning role of sugar in the food industry, where it's often used to extend meat products at the expense of nutrition. The New Primal stands firm on delivering healthier alternatives without compromising on taste.

    Sales and Marketing Strategies

    Efficient sales and marketing strategies are essential to bring consumers to trial. Jason emphasizes the importance of partnering with retailers and investing in trade promotions, sampling, demos, and ambassador programs to build a loyal customer base.

    Learning from Experience

    Jason shares valuable insights on the journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the significance of learning through experience and early feedback. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs not to be held back by the pursuit of perfection, but to start and iterate along the way.

    The Story Behind the Brand

    Unveiling the story behind the brand name, Jason explains the desire for an ancestral touch, embodying a modern interpretation of the primal way. This vision is symbolized by the owl, a majestic creature, reflected in their packaging and ethos.

    New Product Launch Alert

    Get ready for an exciting product launch - the "Sloppy Joseph," a fresh take on the traditional Sloppy Joe with a health-conscious twist, boasting significantly lower sugar content.

    Season 3, Episode 57:

    The New Primal:

    • Website
  • Linkedin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Connect with Jason

    Connect with Tony

    About me and my mission and the podcast:

    Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry?  The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.

    I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies. 

     

    Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:

    Searching for distributor or broker partners? 

    Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?

    Searching for the right person to add to the team?

    My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow. 

    Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)

     

    Contact me: [email protected]

    Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands

    Join Our Community

    Music from Uppbeat and ZapSplat

    https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/get-the-funk-in
    License code: SF3WUKBUJQULFHXE

    TIKTOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | LINKEDIN PAGE | LINKEDIN GROUP

    46 min
  • Fripper’s Hot Dogs with Colin Miles, CEO

    This isn't your father's hot dog! Fripper’s is an Atlanta-based specialty meats company passionate about producing handmade sausages— artfully, one link at a time. It's an elevated hot dog experience, and Colin Miles is on a mission to breathe new life into artisan meats. 

    Join me as I discover what makes Fripper's a freaking great dog and the food service business they are building.

    Season 3, Episode 56:

    Fripper's:

    • Website
  • Linkedin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Connect with Colin

    Connect with Tony

    About me and my mission and the podcast:

    Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry?  The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.

    I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies. 

     

    Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:

    Searching for distributor or broker partners? 

    Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?

    Searching for the right person to add to the team?

    My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow. 

    Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)

     

    Contact me: [email protected]

    Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands

    Join Our Community

    Music from Uppbeat and ZapSplat

    https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/get-the-funk-in
    License code: SF3WUKBUJQULFHXE

    TIKTOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | LINKEDIN PAGE | LINKEDIN GROUP

    32 min
  • Jamming from Iceland with Gardar Stefansson, CEO and Co-Founder of Good Good Foods, the #1 Fastest Growing (No Sugar Added ) Jam and Jelly Brand in America!

    Welcome to Winning at Work – the podcast for Foodies and Founders!

    • In this episode, we sit down with Gardar Steffanson, the CEO and Co-Founder of Good Good Foods, a game-changer in the world of low-sugar jams and spreads.
  • Good Good Foods, based in Iceland, has risen to the #1 position in their category in America.
  • The Secret Ingredient:

    • The key to Good Good Foods' success is their emphasis on fruit content. They pack more fruit into each jar and use natural sweeteners, resulting in a low-calorie, delicious product.
  • Gardar emphasizes that breakfast jams should be healthy, not packed with excessive sugars, which can often reach 60% in traditional jams.
  • Innovations for Flavor Balance:

    • Good Good Foods invested in extensive research and development to eliminate any aftertaste associated with natural sweeteners like stevia. They conducted thousands of innovations to perfect their recipe.

    Market Insights:

    • The jam and jelly market boasts a substantial $1 billion in grocery sales.
  • Interestingly, peanut butter, a complementary category, is a massive $2 billion industry.
  • Entering the U.S. Market:

    • Gardar shares that their breakthrough into the U.S. market came through Expo West, a pivotal event for their business.

    Consumer Trial and Online Presence:

    • To encourage consumer trials, Good Good Foods initially launched on Amazon. Their product quickly rose to become the #1 jam on Amazon.
  • Tactics for building an online reputation involve collaborating with influencers and ambassadors to create engaging content. They are also actively working on improving their presence in grocery stores.
  • In-Store Demo Strategy:

    • Gardar reveals that the most successful in-store demos are held in high-selling stores and led by Good Good Foods employees, who are experts on their product.
  • Building a personal connection with customers during these demos has been key to their strategy.
  • Challenges Faced:

    • Digital ads that previously worked well have seen diminishing returns in recent years.
  • On the other hand, building relationships with brand ambassadors and friends has proven effective, with activities like taste testing and recipe creation. These individuals gain access to samples, merchandise, and recipe banks.
  • Affiliate Platforms and Relationship Building:

    • Good Good Foods utilizes affiliate platforms to expand their reach, but they recognize that the true key to their success lies in building strong relationships with partners, influencers, and customers.

    Brand Focus:

    Gardar emphasizes the importance of not chasing trends but staying focused on their brand's core values and mission

    Season 3, Episode 55:

    Good Good Brand:

    • Website
  • Linkedin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube
  • TikTok
  • Connect with Gardar

    Connect with Tony

    About me and my mission and the podcast:

    Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry?  The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.

    I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies. 

     

    Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:

    Searching for distributor or broker partners? 

    Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?

    Searching for the right person to add to the team?

    My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow. 

    Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)

     

    Contact me: [email protected]

    Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands

    Join Our Community

    Music from Uppbeat and ZapSplat

    https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/get-the-funk-in
    License code: SF3WUKBUJQULFHXE

    TIKTOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | LINKEDIN PAGE | LINKEDIN GROUP

    33 min
  • The Good Mood Food with Christine Keller, CEO, Moodify

    The Love for Oatmeal

    Oatmeal is a beloved staple for a segment of the population, with enthusiasts consuming it daily.

    Moodify offers a range of six oatmeal flavors designed to improve your mood and overall well-being.

    Diet and Outlook

    Christine highlights how dietary choices can significantly impact one's outlook on life and emotional well-being.

    The idea for Moodify was born during the pandemic, as Christine and her team sought to understand shifting eating habits.

    Research and Insights

    A pivotal moment came when Christine discovered a study involving 2,000 people, revealing their desire for foods that support brain health.

    This insight led to the concept of "Good Mood Food," a novel idea with untapped potential.

    Ingredients for a Better Mood

    Moodify's products include grains, nuts, coffee, ginger, and berries – all real whole foods, without the addition of extra sugar.

    Christine's decision not to use adaptogens was due to their unappealing taste.

    Distribution and Market Expansion

    Moodify initially launched as a direct-to-consumer (DTC) product in Denver, serving as a test market.

    The brand expanded its presence to college campuses, cafes, and hotels, receiving positive feedback.

    Currently available in Southern California's natural grocery stores like Gelson's.

    Retail Strategies

    Christine shares the retail strategies employed to encourage consumers to try Moodify products, including price promotions and product demos.

    The Importance of Texture

    Christine emphasizes that texture plays a vital role in Moodify's success in winning over consumers.

    Future Innovations

    Moodify has its sights set on future innovations, potentially branching out into bars or cookies while staying true to its Good Mood Food concept.

    Season 3, Episode 54:

    Moodify:

    • Website
  • Linkedin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Connect with Christine

    Connect with Tony

    About me and my mission and the podcast:

    Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry?  The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.

    I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies. 

     

    Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:

    Searching for distributor or broker partners? 

    Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?

    Searching for the right person to add to the team?

    My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow. 

    Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)

     

    Contact me: [email protected]

    Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands

    Join Our Community

    Music from Uppbeat and ZapSplat

    https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/get-the-funk-in
    License code: SF3WUKBUJQULFHXE

    TIKTOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | LINKEDIN PAGE | LINKEDIN GROUP

    34 min
  • Discover the Ready to Drink Wheatgrass Superfood Beverage, with Brian Hill, CEO and Founder of Maka

    Discover Maka, the Ready to Drink Wheatgrass Superfood Functional Beverage, perfect for food enthusiasts.

    Maka is more than just a drink; it's a Public Benefit Corporation committed to donating 1% of its proceeds to support clean water initiatives, such as Surf Rider and the Nature Conservancy.

    This unique beverage combines Wheatgrass with Yerba Mate and its cousin, Guayusa, creating a truly exceptional blend.

    While educating consumers about Wheatgrass can be challenging, Maka boasts an impressive 99% conversion rate once people sample it.

    With only 10 grams of sugar from fruit juice and Blue Agave, Maka stands out by avoiding Stevia or Monk fruit additives.

    Loaded with essential nutrients like Vitamin A and antioxidants, Maka contains just 90 milligrams of caffeine, a far cry from the 240 milligrams found in a medium Starbucks coffee.

    Available at Sprouts now, Maka has plans for a nationwide rollout in 2023 and has recently made its debut at Gelsons and Bristol Farms in Southern California.

    When it comes to sampling, Maka's ambassadors are incredibly effective, often selling 7-12 cans per session, with some achieving an impressive 50 cans sold.

    The brand is actively expanding its sampling team, seeking out trusted ambassadors who share a genuine passion for Maka's product and can represent it authentically.

    One of their main challenges is finding natural brand ambassadors who align with their values and mission.

    Maka's marketing strategy has evolved to prioritize face-to-face demos over top-of-the-funnel marketing and social advertising.

    Looking forward, their innovation plan includes exploring new and exciting flavors to expand their product line.

    Season 3, Episode 53:

    Maka:

    • Website
  • Linkedin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Podcast
  • Spotify
  • TikTok
  • Connect with Brian

    Connect with Tony

    About me and my mission and the podcast:

    Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry?  The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.

    I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies. 

     

    Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:

    Searching for distributor or broker partners? 

    Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?

    Searching for the right person to add to the team?

    My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow. 

    Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)

     

    Contact me: [email protected]

    Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands

    Join Our Community

    Music from Uppbeat and ZapSplat

    https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/get-the-funk-in
    License code: SF3WUKBUJQULFHXE

    TIKTOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | LINKEDIN PAGE | LINKEDIN GROUP

    33 min
  • America’s Best Fried Chicken Chain You Have Never Heard Of! with Dan Shapiro, CEO, Krispy Krunchy Food

    In today's episode, we're diving into the unknown story of Krispy Krunchy Food, the hidden gem of America's fried chicken chains with Dan Shapiro, the CEO of Krispy Krunchy Food.

    America's Best Fried Chicken Chain

    The Wall Street Journal once quoted a famous chef as saying, "This is America's Fried Chicken."

    Krispy Krunchy Food is a Cajun fried chicken franchise tucked away inside convenience stores, offering comfort food sides like mac 'n' cheese, red beans and rice, jambalaya, and honey biscuits.

    They operate in over 2,800 locations and are expanding into Walmart, making them a notable presence in the fast-food industry.

    The Resilient Founder Story

    Krispy Krunchy Food faced adversity in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina nearly wiped them out.

    In 2006, they decided to expand aggressively, diversifying their geographical footprint.

    This resilience played a significant role in their success story.

    A Taste Unlike Any Other

    Customers' reactions to Krispy Krunchy Food are clear-cut: It's either the best chicken they've ever tasted or a delightful surprise for those who've never heard of it.

    The year 2020 marked a banner year for food in grocery stores, with Krispy Krunchy Food at the forefront.

    The Marketing Strategy

    Krispy Krunchy Food focuses on branding, aiming to resemble a legitimate Quick Service Restaurant (QSR).

    They strategically place their food at the front counter to boost impulse purchases, a tactic that has proven successful.

    Front Counter Real Estate

    In the grocery store world, the most valuable real estate is the front counter.

    Not all products are worthy of this prime location; it's about choosing high-margin items strategically.

    Tic Tacs and gum may not cut it; Krispy Krunchy Food knows better.

    Expansion Plans

    Krispy Krunchy Food is set to open 500 new stores while losing 150 in normal churn.

    There are approximately 150,000 grocery stores in the U.S., with 90,000 being independent.

    The key is to vet the stores for foot traffic and find the right operators who excel in food service.

    Unexpected Consequences

    One surprising outcome of offering multiple food options in gas stations was an increase in chicken sales.

    It's a testament to the appeal and demand for Krispy Krunchy Food's offerings.

    Future Expansion

    Krispy Krunchy Food is not stopping at convenience stores; they're expanding into colleges, universities, and Walmart stores, aiming to make their delicious offerings even more accessible.

    Season 3, Episode 52:

    Krispy Krunchy:

    • Website
  • Linkedin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Connect with Dan

    Connect with Tony

    About me and my mission and the podcast:

    Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry?  The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.

    I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies. 

     

    Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:

    Searching for distributor or broker partners? 

    Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?

    Searching for the right person to add to the team?

    My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow. 

    Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)

     

    Contact me: [email protected]

    Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands

    Join Our Community

    Music from Uppbeat and ZapSplat

    https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/get-the-funk-in
    License code: SF3WUKBUJQULFHXE

    TIKTOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | LINKEDIN PAGE | LINKEDIN GROUP

    35 min
  • Fresh and Flakey Mediterranean Cuisine with Ariana Tolka, CEO and Co-Founder of Balkan Bites

    Welcome to another episode of Winning at Work the podcast for Foodies and Founders. Today we discover the world of Balkan cuisine and we have the pleasure of chatting with Ariana Tolka, CEO and Co-Founder of Balkan Bites. Tune in to hear how this innovative entrepreneur is bringing Mediterranean and Albanian culinary traditions to American palates.

    Fresh and Flakey - Introduction to Balkan Bites.  Ariana Tolka and her team at Balkan Bites are on a mission to bring the Mediterranean, Albanian lifestyle to American consumers' tables. Through their delicious offerings, they're introducing the flavors of the Balkan food region, Southeast Europe, and celebrating its rich culinary heritage.

    The Origin Story - From Grandmother's Recipe to Burek Delight.  At the heart of Balkan Bites is a touching origin story. Ariana's journey began with her grandmother's traditional Albanian recipe – the beloved Burek. This flakey pastry, passed down through generations, became the cornerstone of their culinary venture. The Burek serves as a fantastic gateway to Balkan cuisine, offering a taste of the region's authenticity and heritage.

    Dipping into Tradition - Pairing Burek with Yogurt and Tzatziki. Listeners, ever wondered how to enjoy Burek to the fullest? Ariana shares that these delectable pastries are often savored with a thin yogurt sauce or a zesty tzatziki dip. Whether enjoyed as the star of the plate or as a tempting appetizer, Burek promises a delightful culinary adventure.

    Building a Brand - From Holiday Markets to Nationwide Presence. In 2019, Ariana took the leap and founded Balkan Bites. Starting at holiday markets and street fairs, she quickly recognized the demand for her unique offerings. The initial success laid the foundation for their journey, leading them to new opportunities and growth.

    The Road to Retail Success - Finding the Right Partners. The year 2021 marked a turning point for Balkan Bites. They found a reliable co-packer, a crucial step that allowed them to approach retailers with confidence. With their production streamlined, they began pitching their products to retailers and even secured a partnership with a distributor, further expanding their reach.

    Spreading the Word - Community and Awareness. Ariana shares how Balkan Bites engages with its community and raises awareness. Through an affiliate program with publishers, they've found a way to connect with their audience while offering a 10% incentive. Despite being a fledgling brand with limited marketing resources, Ariana highlights the value of data tracking in their various outreach efforts.

    Season 3, Episode 51:

    Balkan Bites:

    • Website
  • Linkedin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Connect with Ariana

    Connect with Tony

    About me and my mission and the podcast:

    Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry?  The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.

    I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies. 

     

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    25 min

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