Black Rifle Coffee Changes Management Team
Black Rifle Coffee, a rapidly growing and mission-driven premium coffee company founded to support veterans, active-duty military, and first responders and serve a broad customer base by connecting consumers with great coffee anCd a unique brand experience, announced changes to its management team to strengthen its ability to drive profitable growth and serve customers. The company is also reaffirming 2023 full-year financial guidance previously provided on May 11.
Chief Marketing Officer Chris Mondzelewski has assumed the newly established role of president of Black Rifle Coffee. In this role, Mondzelewski will take on the responsibility of overseeing BRCC’s day-to-day operations, alongside his current duties as chief marketing officer. Mondzelewski joined BRCC in May following a nearly 12-year tenure at Mars, where he most recently led growth initiatives for the Global Petcare business as chief growth officer. Additionally, Mondzelewski will assume many of Chief Operating Officer Toby Johnson’s responsibilities, as she is departing the company to pursue other opportunities after building the foundation for BRCC’s entry into the FDM channel with bagged coffee and scaling the RTD coffee business in convenience stores.
The company also announced that, effective Aug. 13, Greg Iverson will step down from his role as chief financial officer and return to the education sector. Mark Weinsten, an experienced financial executive, will serve as the company’s interim CFO. Weinsten has been working closely with BRCC’s management team on various operational and productivity initiatives since February 2023 and his financial expertise, familiarity with BRCC’s operations, and experience serving in interim roles, including as CFO, position him to lead BRCC’s finance team during this interim period. The company is conducting a search for a permanent CFO.
“I want to thank Greg and Toby for the positive impact they have had on Black Rifle as we have transitioned from the private to public markets. The continued evolution of our management team and organizational structure will further leverage the strengths and expertise of the exceptional leaders we have within the organization, drive enhanced cohesion across our operations and create better opportunity for future growth,” commented founder and Co-CEO Evan Hafer.
Co-CEO Tom Davin commented, “Chris joined BRCC earlier this year and quickly made a positive impact on the Company. His appointment as president is recognition that his deep business and strategic expertise extends well beyond marketing, which is why we are expanding his scope to leverage his business development and operational capabilities. Our business continued to perform well in Q2, and I look forward to working alongside Chris and Mark and the rest of our Board and leadership team as we continue to capitalize on our strong brand momentum to drive industry leading growth in both revenue and profitability.”
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Topspin Acquires Division of Three Dog Bakery Dog Treats
Topspin Consumer Partners, an operationally driven private equity firm focused on the consumer sector, has acquired the consumer products division of Three Dog Bakery, the creator of humanized dog treats sold at traditional and online retailers. TDB’s existing management team will continue to lead the Company in their current roles. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Based in Kansas City, Mo., TDB is a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded, humanized dog treats whose product portfolio disrupted the indulgent dog treat category with real ingredients, fresh-baked aromas and texture, and innovative products, many of which are inspired by human snacks and cookies. TDB has achieved strong growth through its longstanding relationships with key retail partners and innovative products including Lick’n Crunch, a sandwich crème cookie, Assort“Mutt” Trio, a soft baked cookie, and Quiche Bites, a savory breakfast treat. TDB bakes many of its products in-house, enabling quick-to-market newness of soft-baked, aromatic treats as well as small batch runs of specialty items.
“Topspin has extensive experience building consumer brands and a strong network within the pet sector, making them the perfect partner as we enter our next phase of growth,” said Jerry Dear, president of Three Dog Bakery. “Pet parents are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of providing their best furry friends with more wholesome options, and we are confident that our unique product offering, which directly taps into pet humanization trends, is changing the way people think of dog treats. As the pet food industry continues to evolve, we will be well-positioned with Topspin’s support to expand our brand and increase our market share in the U.S.”
“We see enormous opportunity in the pet consumables sector, and are excited to partner with Three Dog Bakery, whose innovative products have generated an avid consumer following,” said Leigh Randall, Managing Partner at Topspin. “TDB’s management team has successfully scaled the Company through its product launches, established customer relationships, and thoughtful distribution expansion, and we look forward to partnering with the team to enter new categories and provide even more pet owners with unique, high-quality treats for their dogs.”
Lowenstein Sandler LLP served as legal advisor to Topspin.
ince 1989, when the original dog bakery opened in Kansas City, Three Dog Bakery has continued making dog treats worthy of the word “treat,” crafted with love and real ingredients. Find Three Dog Bakery dog treats, such as Lick’n CruncTopspinh! and Assort“Mutt” Trio in the treat aisles of pet stores, grocery markets, mass retailers and select online retailers in the United States and Canada.
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Kraft Singles Apple Pie Debuts in Time for July Fourth
What’s more American than apple pie? Apple pie with cheese melted on top. This Fourth of July, Kraft Singles is partnering with Little Pie Company, known for its dedication to crafting exceptional handmade pies, to create the Kraft Singles Apple Pie. The single-serve pie combines two of the most iconic American foods: the undeniably perfect melt of Kraft Singles, with the sweet classic flavors of a traditional apple pie. With its simple irresistible taste, the iconic yellow square slice makes all foods more delicious, including a decadent dessert-like apple pie.
The pairing of cheese with apple pie has long been a tradition. In fact, apple pie has been served with a cheese topping since the 1800s as a sweet and salty treat. The pie is a one-of-a-kind pie featuring hand-cut golden delicious apples mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, light brown sugar and of course, melty Kraft Singles baked within. Each 5-inch pie is topped with a delicious Kraft Single, resulting in a dessert that is both intriguing and mouthwatering.
“Kraft Singles is a small ingredient that makes a big difference, and we are on a mission to make simple irresistible and reignite America’s love for Kraft American Cheese,” said Kelsey Rice, associate director for Kraft Singles at the Kraft Heinz Company. “Melting cheese on top of apple pie is a tradition we see many of our fans enjoy, so we wanted to remind people that Kraft Singles multiplies the enjoyment of whatever food you are eating and inspire new ways to enjoy our product beyond the grill.”
Cheese lovers can indulge in the Kraft Singles Apple Pie in-store at Little Pie Company in New York City and can also purchase for nationwide fresh delivery via Goldbelly, while supplies last. The Kraft Singles Apple Pie in store will be sold for $10.95 and on Goldbelly for $44.95 (before shipping), which includes a recipe card, two single 5-inch pies and two packs of Kraft Singles for melting.
“At Little Pie Company, we take pride in our pies made from scratch, and are always thinking of ways to bring new flavors and experiences to our fans,” said Arnold Wilkerson, creator of Little Pie Company. “When Kraft Singles approached us about creating a limited-edition pie featuring their iconic square, we were so excited and confident we could nail the recipe. Simply good and ready to eat, the Kraft Singles Apple Pie is sure to be a delight for all this Fourth of July.”
The campaign is the latest example of bringing the brand’s platform, “Square It” to life, reminding fans about all the wonderful ways consumers can use Kraft Singles in the kitchen.
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