Crouton Startup Kooshy Secures Funding to Expand Retail Presence and Accelerate Growth

Kooshy, a specialty crouton maker, has received an investment from Springdale Ventures, a Texas-based venture capital firm focused on consumer packaged goods companies. The funding will enable Kooshy to scale its retail distribution, increase marketing efforts, and grow its team as it aims to become a leading brand in the grocery aisle.

Revolutionizing the Crouton Landscape with Organic Sourdough and Innovative Flavors

Humble Beginnings at a Local Incubator

Kooshy was founded in July 2022 by brothers Jonathan and Matt Wachsman, who set out to create a line of croutons that would go beyond the traditional salad topping. The brothers started the company at The Hatchery Chicago, a local food and beverage business incubator, and began selling their products at area farmers markets.The Wachsmans recognized the untapped potential of croutons, seeing them as a versatile ingredient that could be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and pastas to yogurt and even ice cream. They set out to develop a crouton that was not only delicious but also made with high-quality, organic ingredients, including sourdough, olive oil, and a blend of spices.

Expanding the Crouton Horizon

Kooshy's innovative approach to croutons has resonated with consumers, and the brand has experienced significant growth since its launch. In just 12 months, the company has expanded its distribution from a few doors to a total of 3,600 locations, including nationwide placement in Whole Foods Market stores and debuts at regional retailers such as The Fresh Market, Meijer, Albertsons, Safeway, H-E-B, Mariano's Fresh Thyme, and Central Market.The brothers' vision for Kooshy extends beyond the traditional salad bowl. They want to encourage consumers to use their croutons in a variety of dishes, from topping soups and pastas to coating chicken or fish, or even enjoying them as a snack straight from the bag.

Securing Funding for Accelerated Growth

Kooshy's early retail success caught the attention of Springdale Ventures, a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in consumer packaged goods companies. Springdale Ventures recognized the potential of Kooshy's innovative product and the expertise of the founding team, and decided to invest in the company at the beginning of August."From the tomato section at Whole Foods to shelves at Costco Midwest and traditional retailers, the brand is attracting new shoppers and expanding the category in a meaningful way," said Genevieve Gilbreath, co-founder and general partner of Springdale Ventures. "The founders bring complementary expertise that positions Kooshy for rapid growth. Jon's financial acumen as a chief financial officer, paired with Matt's extensive experience in brand management at Kraft Heniz, make them a strong team."The investment from Springdale Ventures will enable Kooshy to continue scaling its retail distribution, drive increased marketing efforts to boost product velocities, and expand its team to support the company's growth.

Positioning Kooshy as the Next Big Name in Grocery

The Wachsman brothers are thrilled to partner with Springdale Ventures and are excited about the future of Kooshy. "We couldn't be more excited to partner with Springdale as we continue building out Kooshy into a leading modern pantry brand," said Jonathan Wachsman, co-founder and chief executive officer of Kooshy.With the backing of Springdale Ventures and the expertise of the founding team, Kooshy is poised to become a household name in the grocery aisle. The company's commitment to quality ingredients, innovative product development, and strategic retail expansion positions it for continued success in the rapidly evolving crouton market.