The Rise of Mike’s Hot Honey: Founder Mike Kurtz on Authentic Growth & Collaboration in the Hospitality Business

Mike Kurtz’s journey from a Brazilian hiking trip to a global CPG brand began with a simple taste of honey infused with whole chili peppers on a pizza slice. That moment sparked the creation of a brand‑new product category—hot honey—later christened Mike’s Hot Honey. Leveraging a barter agreement with Pauly G’s pizzeria, he turned a kitchen after‑hours into a production hub, turning a hobby into a scalable business model. This grassroots origin story underscores how authentic culinary experiences can ignite market‑disrupting innovations in the hospitality sector.

Scaling quickly, Mike’s Hot Honey secured shelf‑stable distribution across major chains such as Taco Bell, KFC, Dunkin’ and numerous grocery retailers. The brand’s rapid adoption validated the hot honey category, prompting private‑label giants like Kroger to launch competing versions. Rather than viewing rivals as threats, Kurtz treats them as proof of concept, reinforcing brand leadership while continuously innovating. This competitive dynamic illustrates how category creators can harness imitation as a catalyst for growth, maintaining relevance through product extensions and strategic partnerships.

For restaurateurs and hospitality operators, the story highlights the importance of streamlined procurement. Leveraging Amazon Business, establishments can efficiently source Mike’s Hot Honey alongside essential non‑perishables, reducing inventory complexity and cost. As the hot honey market expands toward a multi‑billion‑dollar segment, Kurtz emphasizes staying ahead through team talent, continuous flavor development, and data‑driven distribution. The episode offers actionable insights for CPG founders and food‑service leaders aiming to turn niche flavors into mainstream staples while navigating competition and supply‑chain optimization.