Today we’d like to introduce you to Roman Desmond
Hi Roman, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hot Box Pretzel’s journey started when I was bussing tables at a country club restaurant in Jacksonville while still in college at UNF. They sold a giant pretzel with queso that was the most popular appetizer. It wasn’t even on the menu. Without fail, every time I would deliver one of these pretzels to a table, they would immediately take their phones out to take pictures for social media. This is when it hit me. I started this company from a combination of my love for this appetizer, a gap in the market I noticed from delivering hundreds of these pretzels, and an urge from a young age to build an innovative brand.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have only been doing this for a little over one year so it has been a pretty smooth ride so far. There have been some ups and downs trying to create a food truck concept with nothing like it. I’m sure in the future we will have some more struggles when trying to grow this business into something bigger than just one food truck.
We’ve been impressed with Hot Box Pretzels, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Founded in February 2023, Hot Box Pretzels has swiftly risen as a beloved culinary sensation in the festival and events scene. Born from a passion for creating the ultimate pretzel experience from my journey began with a simple yet ambitious vision: to reinvent the classic pretzel with a modern twist.
In less than a year, we’ve made an indelible mark, featuring at large music festivals, countless farmers markets, and sporting events. Each festival has been a stage for us to showcase our innovative approach to the traditional pretzel scene.
Our pretzels are more than just a snack; they are a celebration of texture and taste. From the classic salted pretzel, perfect in its simplicity, to adventurous flavors that surprise and delight, we cater to both traditionalists and culinary explorers. Our commitment to quality is unwavering, using only the finest ingredients to ensure every pretzel we serve is a memorable experience.
Our presence extends beyond the festival scene. We gained significant attention following an interview on the popular UpFlip YouTube channel, which garnered over 700,000 views. I have also been featured on Season 2 of Gordon Ramsey Food starts which is airing on Fox right now! These features have highlighted my entrepreneurial spirit and the story behind our beloved pretzels, bringing our brand into the limelight and connecting us with a wider audience.
This exposure further cemented our reputation as a rising star in the world of artisanal snacks.
At Hot Box Pretzels, we are more than a brand; we are a community. Each event is an opportunity to connect with our fans, gather feedback, and continuously evolve. We pride ourselves on creating an atmosphere that’s as warm and inviting as our pretzels.
As we look to the future, our goal is to continue spreading the joy of Hot Box Pretzels far and wide, one music festival at a time.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is strategically growing this business to be the best tasting and highest quality pretzels available on a large scale to supply concession stands bars, restaurants, and Hot Box Pretzel food trucks across the U.S.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hotboxpretzels.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotboxpretzels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Hotboxpretzels-100088938759144/
