Simply Good Jars

Simply Good Jars is a food company that provides chef-crafted, pre-packaged salads and other meals in reusable jars, targeting consumers seeking convenient and healthy options. The company was founded in Philadelphia in November 2017 by Jared Cannon. Cannon, a chef with over 17 years of experience in the restaurant industry and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, was inspired to start the company while pursuing his master's degree at Temple University's Fox School of Business. Juggling work and studies, he identified a lack of accessible, healthy, and convenient meal options and launched the business with a $1,000 loan.

The company's core product is a line of salads layered in clear, reusable jars, which are designed to be mixed by shaking for about 12 seconds. A patent-pending packaging technique and process extends the shelf life of the fresh ingredients without using preservatives, lasting up to nine days. The product lineup initially included various salads like Chicken Caesar and Smoked Salmon, and has since expanded to include "All-Day Parfaits" with yogurt and fruit for breakfast or snacks. The business model is centered on sustainability and social responsibility. It operates as a Certified B Corporation and encourages customers to reuse or recycle the jars. By scanning a QR code on the packaging and pledging to recycle or reuse it, the company donates a meal to a local community partner, such as Philabundance.

Initially, Simply Good Jars utilized a subscription model and placed "Simply Smart Fridges" in high-traffic locations like offices, gyms, and airports. However, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a strategic pivot towards a retail-focused model. The company now distributes its products through a network of major retailers, including Walgreens, Costco, Wawa, and Sheetz, as well as through delivery platforms like GoPuff. This shift proved successful, leading to significant growth. A notable milestone was an appearance on ABC's "Shark Tank" in March 2021, where Cannon secured a $500,000 investment from Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner. Following the show, the company's sales increased by 1,200%.

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