Kooshy

Kooshy is a food company specializing in the production of sourdough-based croutons and panko breadcrumbs. The company was founded in July 2022 by brothers Jonathan and Matt Wachsman. Jonathan Wachsman serves as the company's CEO. His financial background as a chief financial officer is complemented by his brother Matt's experience in brand management at Kraft Heinz.

The inspiration for Kooshy stemmed from the founders' childhood affinity for sourdough bread. They started the company at The Hatchery Chicago, a food and beverage incubator, and initially sold their products at local farmers markets. Kooshy's business model is centered on being an internet-first brand, selling directly to consumers through its website, and distributing through major retail partnerships. The company has expanded its retail presence to 3,600 stores, including Whole Foods Market, The Fresh Market, Meijer, Albertsons, Safeway, H-E-B, and Costco Midwest.

Kooshy's product line features croutons made from organic sourdough, olive oil, and spices, with various flavors. The products are marketed as non-GMO and vegan-friendly. The company aims to position its croutons not just as a salad topping but as a versatile snack and ingredient for various dishes. In 2024, Kooshy secured an investment from Springdale Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on consumer packaged goods, to support its retail distribution scaling, marketing efforts, and team growth.

Keywords: sourdough croutons, panko breadcrumbs, non-GMO food, specialty food, consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, retail distribution, salad toppings, snack food, pantry staples, Jonathan Wachsman, Matt Wachsman, The Hatchery Chicago, Springdale Ventures, Whole Foods Market