Taste Radio

Six years after Justin Rosenberg opened the first location of Honeygrow, the fast-casual restaurant chain was at a crossroads. Its growth strategy, he says, was "too entrepreneurial." Founded in 2012, Honeygrow, which is short for "honest food, grown locally," sells stir-fry meals, salads and desserts made with fresh and better-for-you ingredients. The Philadelphia-based company currently operates over 50 restaurants in seven states with plans to open several more in the coming months. While Honeygrow is in the midst of an ambitious expansion plan, Justin, who has raised $80 million in equity financing since its inception, is attuned to the challenges he faced six years after the restaurant's debut. At that time, the company had veered away from the brand elements that made Honeygrow special in the eyes of its customers in favor of an approach that, in hindsight, was overly focused on opening new locations. In this episode, Justin talks about his initial vision for Honeygrow, what he learned from taking a hands-on approach during its early years despite having almost no experience in foodservice, and how the company is trying to "perfect the algorithm of the brand." He also discusses Honeygrow's sourcing strategy and its focus on serving "great" ingredients and "amazing customer experiences," how he evaluates service and quality at individual locations of Honeygrow, and why day-to-day management of the business – and not an exit strategy – is always top of mind. Show notes: 0:35: Justin Rosenberg, Founder & CEO, Honeygrow – Justin talks about why he's constantly on the road, how he evaluates potential locations for new Honeygrow restaurants and why his store visits are typically unannounced (and the one time it almost led to a fight). He also explains why his vision and goal for the company are tied to customer experience, the origins of the name Honeygrow and its design aesthetic, why the restaurant chain is focused on stir fry meals, salads, and its "honeybars" and how a chance meeting helped him find an ideal ingredient. Justin and Ray hail their love for an HBO television series about entrepreneurship (and find common bonds in apparel) before the Honeygrow founder explains why the chain was developed to be an international brand and what gave him the confidence to open its second location. He also talks about the generally collegial relationships among founders of fast-casual chains, how a "pressure to grow" led to Honeygrow to expand too quickly and almost go out of business in 2018, how the company righted the ship and how he managed the challenges on a personal level. Justin also discusses "the common denominator" among Honeygrow's leadership team, how "trust comes with time and wins," whether an entrepreneurial mindset among store employees is welcomed, how consumer feedback influences menu decisions and new product development and why he looks at Yelp and Google reviews every morning. Brands in this episode: Honeygrow, RxBar, David, Coca-Cola

Days away from BevNET's winter events in Marina Del Rey, the hosts discuss the legal battle between lifestyle fitness brands Prime and Mas+ by Messi and why it may help one company more than the other, regardless of the outcome. They also sample a big brand's take on an ethnic classic and explain their love/hate relationship with an emerging brand. Show notes: 0:25: When Ray's Away… So Many Meetings, Plenty Of Time. Ignore The Script. Blow Up The Box. – With Ray OOO, Mike takes the reins and does a decent job as the primary host ;) The team highlights new opportunities for BevNET/NOSH Live attendees, including retail buyer and investor meetings and how simple interactions at the events can lead to positive and significant outcomes. They also talk about Prime/Mas+ lawsuits and the distractions they are causing for both brands, a nut brand with an unforgettable name, how Lex Bakes and Cedar's are driving Craven crazy (in different ways), and a new NA cocktail that is roundly praised. Brands in this episode: Prime, Mas+, Bang, Jewels Under The Kilt, Nutsack, RIVR, Lexington Bakes, TCHO, Rakka, French Squirrel, Bake Me Healthy, Aplos, Lapos, St. Agretis, Cedar's, De Soi, Fruga

"Walked out this morning, I don't believe what I saw. Hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore." Those lyrics from the hit song "Message In A Bottle" by The Police probably touched a nerve with Josh White. The young British DJ had become increasingly dismayed by the sight of throngs of single-serve plastic water bottles appearing on exotic beaches. As he considered the problem, one solution came to the forefront: aluminum. Josh is the co-founder and CEO of Cano Water, a trailblazing water company based in the U.K. Launched in 2014, it was one of the first brands to sell water in metal cans, which the company presents as a more sustainable option than plastic containers. Leading with the tagline "Don't bottle it." Cano Water is distributed throughout Europe and is aligned with several well-known British retailers and investors, including Sainsbury and Ricky Gervais. Cano Water is in the midst of new distribution in Southern California, where the brand is partnered with beverage incubator L.A. Libations. In an interview featured in this episode, Josh explains why he describes himself as "an accidental entrepreneur," the challenging but ultimately successful path to finding a manufacturing partner, how a cold email helped Cano Water land its first major retailer, and how the company is leaning into its British roots as it expands distribution into the U.S. Show notes: 0:35: Josh White, Co-Founder & CEO, Cano Water – Josh and Taste Radio editor Ray Latif meet up at the Trip office in Notting Hill where the entrepreneur recounts a DJ gig at the wedding of a famous U.K. politician and talks about his wayward youth and becoming a successful business owner in his late teens. He also explains why he and his co-founders forged ahead despite colleagues and family members who doubted their plans, how they came up with the brand name and sought to position Cano Water as a sophisticated option, and how sustainability is at the core of all marketing initiatives. Josh also talks about how being "unapologetically honest" while presenting a polished image helps the brand stand out amongst its competitors. Brands in this episode: Cano Water, Fiji Water, Voss

Collaborations – the good, the strange, and the wow – anchor this episode. The hosts debate whether a tomato-based wine co-created by Pizza Hut can help change the fortunes of a sluggish industry and discuss an unusual, but effective, marketing campaign featuring a partnership between sex workers and non-alcoholic spirits. This episode features an interview with Bella Hughes and Semira Nikou, the co-founders of better-for-you gummy brand Better Sour, which recently collaborated with Disney on a new product that celebrates the release of the movie "Moana 2." Show notes: 0:25: Haven't Seen It. Just Ask, We'll Answer. Stop Wine-ing. Mike's New Meme. Brodo FTW. Breakfast Shrimp. — No, not everyone has streamed Moana. The hosts urge listeners not to miss out on the upcoming events and share tips on how attendees can prepare for them. They're also divided on a libation created to pair with a popular Italian dish. Ray highlights The Free Spirit Co.'d provocative take on non-alc naysayers before spreading the wealth of broth sent to the office. The hosts also riff on fruit punch and Jacqui's unusual first meal of the day. 27:55: Bella Hughes & Semira Nikou, Co-Founders, Better Sour – Bella and Semira talk about their backstory as friends and founders and the genesis of Better Sour, the brand's growth strategy and how it's positioned to appeal to modern consumers. They also discussed the company's partnership with Disney and how they prepared for the rollout of the new flavor and how they're maintaining Better Sour's focus and trajectory amid a wave of new opportunities for the brand. Brands in this episode: Better Sour, Minor Figures, Proxies, Basic Cellars, Lemonday, Lemon Perfect, Plezi, Hawaiian Punch, Hodo, Scott & Jon's

Luke Boase launched Lucky Saint in 2018, but he says the brand's potential for an iconic future has always been top of mind. As the leading dedicated non-alcoholic beer brand in the U.K., Lucky Saint is sold in over 10,000 points of distribution in the country, including more than 1,000 pubs and restaurants. That number includes its own bar in London, aptly named The Lucky Saint, which operates at the base of a building that also houses the company's office. Last year, the company raised a £10m Series A round that included funding from VC firm JamJar Investments. Led by a mission to become "the world's defining alcohol-free brand," Lucky Saint is resonating with both sober consumers and moderate drinkers, according to Luke. Inclusivity is a key theme of the company's marketing and communication strategy, leading with a message of quality and appeal as a beverage for anyone who isn't drinking. In the following interview, Luke talks about how his interest in entrepreneurship sparked the idea for Lucky Saint and why he has a long-term vision for the brand. He also explains how the company incorporates consumer insights and data into its retail and buyers pitches, his views on Lucky Saint's role in the non-alcoholic beer category and how he thinks about competing with strategically-owned and -aligned beer companies. Show notes: 0:35: Luke Boase, Founder, Lucky Saint – Luke speaks with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about The Lucky Saint pub and why he felt it was important to offer a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, how he saw an opportunity to create a premium non-alcoholic beer brand and the two-year process behind its creation. He also talks about identifying the right retailers for Lucky Saint and why the company works with dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as the consistency of demand for non-alcoholic beer and how he factors ambition into the company's strategy. Brands in this episode: Lucky Saint, Heineken, Guinness

Innovative protein brands and proactive meetings. The hosts advocate for both in this episode, which also features an interview with Trey Zoeller, the founder of pioneering whiskey maker Jefferson's Bourbon, a brand recognized by and awarded for its Ocean Aged At Sea expression, a whiskey matured on ships that travel around the world. Show notes: 0:25: Bag It. Face To Face > Email. Take A Minute. The Liver! Fridge Pop. Beard Scoby. – Less than three weeks away from BevNET's winter events, Ray gets agitated while sharing some important travel tips and the hosts explain why meeting John Foraker in December should be on your agenda. They also introduce a new Taste Radio social series, enjoy a new kind of scent in the studio and sample several products from protein-centric brands, including ancestral meat snacks, peanut butter cookies, and mint chip-flavored shakes. Ray also highlights a new brand of macron pops and John tests out a new kombucha-inspired after shave. 28:41: Interview: Trey Zoeller, Founder, Jefferson's Bourbon – Trey, who first joined us for an interview in 2020, talks about why the pairing of oysters and Jefferson's Bourbon Ocean Aged At Sea expression works so well. He also discusses the origins of the uniquely matured whiskey and why the product was initially disparaged by his industry colleagues, and how Jefferson's, which is known for its innovative approach to aging, maintains the cache and image of being a renegade while simultaneously being a widely distributed and popular brand. Brands in this episode: Daily Crunch, Once Upon A Farm, Fly By Jing, Country Archer, Russian River Brewing, Kombuchade, Hint, Grounded, LifeAid, H&H, Macarooz, Health-Ade, Dogfish Head, Love & Chew, Lenny & Larry's, Jefferson's Bourbon

Most Americans eat cold bread. Ismail Salhi and Johanna Hartzheim are changing that dynamic one loaf at a time. Ismail and Johanna are the founders of Wildgrain, a subscription-based service that ships boxes of par-baked frozen sourdough, pastries and hand-cut pasta to customers across the country. The married couple and business partners came to the U.S. after years of living in Paris and wanted to give people access to the same warm loaves of artisanal breads, flaky croissants and chewy dinner rolls they ate daily in France. Wildgrain partners with local bakers across the U.S. to produce its products, which are made with no preservatives, no artificial flavors and no bleached flour. No thawing is required. Just a few minutes in the oven is all you need to make fresh, warm bread. Since Ismail and Johanna launched Wildgrain in 2020 at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become one of the most successful food delivery companies in America generating $30 million in revenue last year and turning profitable. How did Wildgrain achieve its position and why does the company's trajectory continue to rise? The throughline has always been an extremely high level of customer service, according to Ismail, who we spoke with for an interview featured in this episode of Taste Radio. Show notes: 0:35: Ismail Salhi, Co-Founder, Wildgrain – Ismail talks about the growing number of artisanal bakeries in urban neighborhoods, including his own and why "the delicious window" makes all the difference when baking and buying bread. He also discusses he and Joanna's decision to launch Wildgrain after shutting down their previous business, how they convinced a tech investor to buy into their new concept, and why they shifted focus after originally planning to build a vertically integrated company. Ismail also explains why being obsessed with your existing customer base is key to a subscription-based model, how Wildgrain has created a network of suppliers that provide consistent quality (if not taste), how they kept customers happy when things went wrong with deliveries early in the company's development, and why customer service is embedded in Wildgrain's marketing strategy. Ismail also talks about how the company achieved profitability three years after its launch, mitigating a potential plateauing of its subscription model and why Wildgrain doesn't hire "until it's painful." Brands in this episode: Wildgrain, RXBAR, David, Lesser Evil, AG1

The world needs plant-based spam. Nootropic beverages will make a comeback in 2025. T-shirts are the best brand swag. It's buy-or-sell time, and the hosts transact in opinions. This episode also features interviews with the leaders of two fast-growing U.K.-based CPG companies: Jack Scott, the co-founder of flavored sparkling water brand Dash, and Kathryn Bricken, the founder of Doughlicious, a brand of frozen cookie dough and gelato bites. Show notes: 0:25: No Results. We're Available. Mindcraft. Un-Appealing. Brand Brush. Call It A Comeback. Like, Thanks. – Election Day has come and gone, but the hosts still don't know who won. They will, however, be available to answer questions and make connections at BevNET's Winter events. But before that, Ray needs a drop or two. Unmeat is on the plate, and not everyone is happy. Denim jackets might be the best gift you can give a customer (or member of the media) with toothbrushes coming in a close second. Mike urges everyone to back a coffee brand, salty snacks are all the rage, especially ones that taste like a turkey dinner, and a BFY gummy brand gets a big time partner. 37:33: Interview: Jack Scott, Co-Founder, Dash – Jack shares an introduction to Dash and discusses the company's international distribution strategy, what he learned about the brand's brief stint in the U.S. market and why hasn't it been a priority since, and why the American market is sometimes described as the "graveyard of so many British brands" 53:07: Interview: Kathryn Bricken, Founder & CEO, Doughlicious – Kathryn talks about the genesis of Doughlicious and why she chose to launch a frozen brand, how she assessed the timing and prepared for a U.S. launch, and how Whole Foods evaluated the brand and what gave its buyers confidence in its ability to succeed on its shelves. She also discusses Doughlicious' national rollout at Target and how the company planned for a dramatic expansion in geography as well as a new retail channel and consumer base. Brands in this episode: Dash, Doughlicious, Mochi Love, NOOISH, CHUTNI PUNCH, Harken Sweets, Brune Kitchen Doosra, Apothekary, Heyday Canning Co., Belgian Boys, Nguyen Coffee Supply, Fly By Jing, Four Sigmatic, Magic Mind, Comeback Coffee, Like Air, Jones Soda, Once Upon A Coconut, Grounded Shakes, Pipcorn, Better Sour

Olivia Ferdi is obsessed with the details. The co-founder of Trip, a U.K.-based brand of lightly sparkling functional beverages intended to help people relax, Olivia says that a passion for the particulars is a key reason why Trip is the fastest-growing soft drink brand in the U.K. and currently preparing for a major expansion of its retail presence in the American market. Trip debuted in 2019 and markets two product lines: one infused with CBD and adaptogens and the other, called Mindful Blend, is made with Lion's Mane, ashwagandha, L-theanine and magnesium. The brand is sold in over 30,000 points of distribution across Europe and the U.S and its Mindful Blend line will be available nationally at three yet-to-be-announced retail chains beginning in the first quarter of 2025. In this episode, Olivia discusses how Trip's philosophy of "product obsession" helped gave the company a fast start and keeps it building towards a more promising future. She also explains why "the customer is sacrosanct," how the company is applying lessons from success in e-commerce to its brick and mortar business and why humility is key to its U.S. expansion. Show notes: 0:35: Olivia Ferdi, Co-Founder, Trip – Olivia and Taste Radio editor Ray Latif chat about the industry meetup hosted the evening prior to their conversation, before the entrepreneur talks about Trip's sponsorship of a Dua Lipa surprise concert in London later in the day. She also discusses Trip's partnership with the Calm app, why she and Daniel never intended to build Trip as a U.K. brand, and how their personal experience with CBD became a "blind passion" to create a brand as a way to give people access to the ingredient. Olivia also explains how Trip's "customer first" strategy has set it apart, how its well-crafted label design allowed the company to avoid using paid media early on, how she's attempting to avoid pitfalls in the U.S. and the one word that can help Trip become a household name. Brands in this episode: Trip, Brewdog, Sipsmith, Beavertown

Another episode, another billion-dollar deal. In this case, the buyer (KDP), if not the brand (Ghost), is somewhat surprising. The hosts have their say. They also highlight a couple spicy collaborations, but are divided on one of them. We also speak with Lexy Prosszer, an investment principal at U.K.-based venture capital firm Btomorrow Ventures, which is focused on investments in innovative, functional brands. Show notes: 0:25: Who Bailed Mike Out? Elektra x Nosh. Scary Deal. A Wonky Pad. Where's My Order? Keep Crunching. – Mike made it out of the can in time for a big announcement about Nosh Live Winter 2024 and a deadline that won't be extended. The hosts discuss KDP's acquisition of Ghost Lifestyle and how it relates to the evolution of the energy drink category. They also pine for an LTO that pairs sprouted almonds and chili crunch but butt heads when it comes to a pickle juice-infused bloody mary mix. Mike recalls meetings and drinks with U.K-based entrepreneurs before he, Ray and John snack on "transportive" pecans and a holiday-inspired snack that your bubbe would love. 39:03: Interview: Lexy Prosszer, Investment Principal, Btomorrow Ventures – Ray sat down with Lexy during Taste Radio's meetup at the Trip office in London, where she discussed Btomorrow Ventures' investment strategy, how she assesses a brand's potential for international distribution and success, and whether global trends influence how she evaluates brands. Brands in this episode: Moment, HOP WTR, Once Upon A Farm, Ghost, Celsius, Bang, Red Bull, Monster, C4, A Shoc, Rao's, Coca-Cola, V8, Grillo's, Ithaca Hummus, Fresca, Simply, Dash, Chili Maven, Living Things, Xoxo, Olipop, Poppi, Hiphop, Feisty Soda, Daily Crunch, Fly By Jing, Cleveland Kitchen, Karma Nuts/Cookies, Pulpito, Wanderlands, Knack Snacks, Babo's Kitchen, S'Noods