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Founders of Food Startups to Watch

Food startups are thriving these days, for a number of reasons. Some companies are simply offering something different, while others offer a variety of foods for a great price. But mostly, due to COVID and other circumstances, it’s about the convenience of delivery. However, that isn’t stopping a food startup founder or two from innovating on their terms and making an impact in the business.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some ideal examples of the food startup founder, and what led them to success. Maybe it was just a stroke of luck, or perhaps they found their calling in a market that needed them at just the right time. No matter which way they got here, they’re here and making a tremendous impact. Not to mention offering some great meals in the process.

Here now are some of our selections for an ideal food startup founder!

Dustin Finkel and Ka-Pop! Snacks

Sometimes you just need a good snack to get ahead in life. It could be something as simple as potato chips, or as complex as home-grown tomatoes in a variety of flavors. But Dustin Finkel of Loveland, CO decided to take his calling in a different direction – with healthy Ka-Pop! Snacks.

Founding his company back in 2019l, Finkel and his team managed to get through the rough times of COVID and now thrive with a business that brings in thousands a month based on healthy and delicious snacks. These include everything from super grain cereal to Hatch Green Chile Puffs (their current “hot item”) to Funyun-style sweet onion rings. And they do all this with a great deal of flair – and delivery options.

As the snack market picks up, Ka-Pop! Snacks should be able to grow right alongside it – and win over those looking for some healthy alternatives!

Daniel Meyer and the Surprising Success of Shake Shack

Yes, that’s right, you may have seen Shake Shack on one corner or another, but at one point, it was just a startup. Daniel Meyer founded the brand just over two decades ago, based on delicious gourmet burgers and a heaping portion of available, delicious shakes. Since that time, it’s grown into a massive brand success.

Meyer got his start with a small hot dog cart in New York. But upon delivering a great menu filled with food items, it’s grown into something much, much larger. Now, there are over 270 locations in the United States alone; and the brand generates more than $60 million monthly. What’s more, it’s showing no signs of slowing down, with continued expansion.

It just goes to show that with the right know-how and drive, the smallest startup can find the greatest of success.

David Tran and Huy Fong Foods

When you’re looking to add a bit of spice to your favorite foods, chances are you may have a Huy Fong Foods sauce in your hand. The hot sauce has become a trailblazing success since its start way back in 1980 and continues to be a  hot seller today. That’s because David Tran kept the formula basic, but didn’t take his eyes off winning the market either.

Getting its start in a small shop in Chinatown, Los Angeles way back in the early 80s, Tran continued to work on new ideas and eventually brought Huy Fong Foods to fruition. As a result, it now generates over $12 million a month in business, with 200 employees working on the product. It also continues to innovate with new flavors, along with the traditional Asian hot sauce that thousands know and love.

No doubt about it, Huy Fong Foods is on fire when it comes to leading the pack of super-successful startups.

Andrea Slinde and Golden Root

Finally, we know there are a lot of coffee drinkers out there. But what about those that prefer something a little different, like Turmeric Latte? That’s where Andrea Slinde and her company, Golden Root, come into play.

Selling her product online since 2018, Andrea has grown her business into something quite special over the years. Though she doesn’t offer too many different products on her site, the Turmeric Latte Mix, available in a caffeine-free format, is a huge hit. It sells in shops nationwide, along with availability through her website.

The business generates more than $4,000 a month. This shows that an upstart company can keep up the consistency, even with a crowded market. We expect Golden Root and its business to continue its growth in the years ahead, possibly offering even more products as it continues.

So, as you see from this mix of established and new startups, there’s a lot to keep an eye on in the food market. Each food startup founder on this list is going places – and there’s more where that came from!

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