Austin, Unfiltered. Hot Takes From CPG‘s OG City.

Big ideas, bold flavors, and unfiltered insights—welcome to Austin, where the future of CPG is being written in real time. At Taste Radio’s Austin Meetup, we sat down with trailblazers and trendsetters redefining how brands are built and scaled. From Better Sour co-founder Bella Hughes to Torchy’s Tacos founder Mike Rypka and Snaxshot’s Andrea Hernández, these conversations explore what it really takes to innovate, connect with consumers, and lead with authenticity in a rapidly evolving industry.

Show notes:

Interviews from Taste Radio’s Austin Meetup – Mike Rypka, the visionary founder of Torchy’s Tacos, shared his journey from launching a food trailer to building a nationally recognized franchise. Steven Santangelo of Matriarch Wealth Management discussed how his firm helps CPG founders navigate the complexities of financial planning, particularly during critical growth and exit stages. Bella Hughes, co-founder of Better Sour, reflected on building a culturally inspired candy brand and the challenges of innovation in a legacy category. Andrea Hernández, the sharp mind behind Snaxshot, delivered an unfiltered perspective on food and beverage trends, highlighting the importance of authenticity and emotional resonance in brand storytelling. And Michelle Breyer, CMO of the Texas-based accelerator SKU, shed light on how the organization nurtures early-stage consumer brands, emphasizing the pivotal role of founder mindset and market fit in driving long-term success.

Brands in this episode: Better Sour, Torchy’s Tacos, Fly By Jing, Siete, Wildwonder, Bachan’s, Daily Crunch, Leisure Hydration, BodyArmor, Vitaminwater, NoBull