Our story is pretty simple and probably sounds very familiar to those that have walked thru the unknown gates of starting a food business. It began a few years ago with a batch of pretzels that were spicy enough to make you sweat and salty enough to make you gain a pound per pretzel. Hate to tell you all that as I know you’re craving that incredible experience right now. That initial batch of “what is this and why am I sweating” was only shared amongst a few close friends and family, but that sparked a kitchen testing frenzy of pretzel and seasoning mixing and matching with everything I could get my hands on..
As an idea started to become a reality, I knew I was going to need a lot of information and there’s no place better to learn than at the OSU FAPC. A day long workshop at OSU gave me a foundation of knowledge of how to proceed. Keystone Labels in OKC worked diligently with me to create the perfect image and packaging. S&S Food Manufacturing took on the manufacturing of the pretzels. Now I had a product line, a logo and a means for turning out large quantities of pretzels so no one had to be pretzel deprived any longer. You’re welcome! The next big question was how was I going to market them and get them out there. Insert Stephen and Cara Bell; co-founders of Steed Interactive. Stephen put together a fantastic website and Cara came up with some great marketing material. The day we hit “live” on the website was the turning point that this wasn’t an idea becoming a reality….. Rhino Pretzels was REALITY!
So, although this “about page” is supposed to be about Rhino Pretzels, it’s really about a lot of incredible Okies that helped me along the way. When you get a chance, support your Made in Oklahoma friends. We’re not sweating because of my initial batch of pretzels. We’re sweating because we’re working hard or it’s a 100 degrees outside.
Nicki Riney
Owner, Rhino Pretzels