Becca Wright, founder of Piedmont Pennies, joins the show to share how a grandmother’s cheese cracker recipe became a Southern specialty brand sold in 450+ stores across 47 states. She breaks down why specialty retail is the smartest launchpad for new food brands, how demoing reveals truths your spreadsheet never will, and the mindset shift that keeps founders steady through the highs and lows.

We also dig into the North Carolina food ecosystem, Eastern vs. Western barbecue, and what “community over competition” really looks like in CPG. A masterclass in scrappy, intentional brand building from the heart of the Carolinas.

Promo Code

Use code FOODROCKS20 for 20% off at PiedmontPennies.com

Key Links for Show Notes

• Piedmont Pennies website: piedmontpennies.com

• Social: @PiedmontPennies (Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook)

• NC IDEA grant program

• NC State Food Lab

• Startup CPG community

• Weaver Street Market (Raleigh/Carrboro/Hillsborough/Southern Village)

• Reed’s Fine Foods (Charlotte)

• Fresh Market, Lowe’s Foods (NC local sections)

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