GOODLES Mac and Cheese for Grown-Ups: Jen Zeszut's Story
Can boxed mac and cheese be good for grown-ups—and still taste great? On The Foodfluencers series of The Hospitality Hangout, Jen Zeszut, co-founder and CEO of GOODLES, shares how she built GOODLES mac and cheese and brought adults back to the mac aisle.
Who is Jen Zeszut?
Jen Zeszut is the co-founder and CEO of GOODLES, the better-for-you boxed mac and cheese brand backed by names like Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. Before the celebrity shine, there were more than 100 investor nos—a reminder that conviction often precedes validation.
What makes GOODLES mac and cheese different?
GOODLES reengineered a nostalgic category: bold packaging, more protein and fiber, prebiotics, and 21 nutrients from plants—without sacrificing the comfort-food taste people grew up on. It's a case study in making an indulgent product that also does more for you.
How did GOODLES reach mass retail?
Jen talks about scaling into Target, Costco, Whole Foods and Amazon and reaching millions of new customers. The throughline: a differentiated product plus relentless brand-building turns a crowded aisle into an opportunity. Mac is back.
Why should operators and founders listen?
Whether you're launching a CPG product or rethinking a classic menu item, Jen's story shows how to modernize a nostalgic category and build a brand that breaks through at retail.
Listen to the full conversation with Jen Zeszut on The Hospitality Hangout, then subscribe for more founder stories. New here? Give The Hospitality Hangout a listen.
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