Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andy Yochum. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Andy , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?

As a business owner, I have encountered numerous unexpected challenges. However, the most significant one I have faced is the need for more leverage. Since I am a startup, my sales volumes are lower, and I tend to order smaller quantities from my vendors. Although I have great partners, being a smaller customer can lead to higher costs and difficulty in negotiating prices. Additionally, smaller projects are usually delayed during production crunches, and there is a need for tact since vendors may opt to fire me if I’m too much trouble.

These challenges have become more evident in the post-Covid world of supply chain issues, workforce shortages, and rising inflation. Continually finding new suppliers is not profitable or efficient, so building and maintaining strong relationships with my vendors is critical. Achieving the right balance of working with them while still getting what’s best for my company requires patience, knowing when to cut losses, and setting realistic expectations for both myself and my suppliers. Although it can be frustrating, I have learned to navigate these challenges and prioritize cultivating strong relationships with my partners.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Greetings! I am Andy, a craft beer enthusiast passionate about exploring different breweries and sampling their unique brews. I love nothing more than sharing a cold pint with old and new friends while savoring the flavor of a well-crafted beer.

However, I couldn’t help but notice that the snacks served alongside these delicious beers always seem to be an afterthought. I was tired of settling for bland, uninspired bar snacks and realized I could make a difference by creating something better. That’s why I founded Boardwalk Food Company, to bring a new level of flavor and excitement to the world of pretzels.

With a background in sales and experience working for successful entrepreneurs, I knew I had the skills and drive to create something great. As a native of Philadelphia and a lover of pretzels, I saw an opportunity to create a snack that perfectly complemented the bold flavors of craft beer.

With the help of my wife, who is a skilled cook and nutritionist, and some amazing local breweries, we set out to develop a line of seasoned pretzels that would revolutionize the snacking experience. Our IPA Beer Flavored Pretzels pair perfectly with citrusy, hoppy IPAs, while our Beer Cheese Flavored Pretzels offer a tantalizing blend of bold flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Our pretzels are made with craft beer drinkers in mind, and we are proud to have grown our brand to over 400 breweries across 29 states. Despite the past year’s challenges, our dedication to quality and innovation has allowed us to continue growing and reaching new customers. We are committed to creating snacks that are just as exciting and enjoyable as the craft beers they accompany.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first started Boardwalk Food Company, my initial idea was to create soft pretzel and beer bread mixes that customers could bake at home. The mixes were designed to be paired with customers’ favorite beers and sold in breweries, but I soon encountered two significant challenges. Firstly, many breweries did not have the facilities to bake the mixes, limiting sales opportunities. Secondly, while customers enjoyed the products, they were not keen on the added step of having to bake the mixes themselves.

During a sampling event at a local brewery, the owner suggested that I create pre-packaged pretzels instead. I quickly decided to pivot away from the mix concept and focus on creating a new, more convenient product. Although this meant abandoning much of the work I had already done, I was committed to making the best possible product for my customers.

The shift to pre-packaged pretzels was not easy, but it ultimately paid off. By listening to feedback and being open to new ideas, I could develop a product that customers loved and were easier for breweries to sell. Our sales quickly increased, and we became a popular choice for beer drinkers looking for a delicious and convenient snack. At Boardwalk Food Company, we are always dedicated to innovation and committed to providing the best possible products for our customers.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In early 2020, I was excited to showcase my line of packaged hard pretzels at the Tampa Craft Beer Festival, with the goal of getting them in front of craft breweries. Despite a successful showing and having received orders from 70 breweries, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to shut down and cancel their orders within a week. It was a devastating blow to our momentum, but we didn’t give up. Instead, we found a new niche in the gift basket industry to keep us afloat until breweries reopened. However, when they did, we faced a new challenge – many breweries had started serving hot food as part of reopening requirements. We had to pivot and rewrite our story to emphasize that our pretzels were still a great choice for taprooms, even with the addition of hot food. With the help of our loyal customers, we were able to craft this message successfully and get our brewery business back up and running again. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability in business, and that even in the face of unexpected challenges, there’s always a way forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.boardwalkfoodco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boardwalkfood/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boardwalkfoodco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boardwalk-food-company
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/boardwalkfood