The PERFECT pita chip😋
Learn more about Alexander, the founder of Zesty Z, an emerging packaged food brand that just launched a lower-carb, delicious line of perfect pita chips!
Our weekly newsletter shines a spotlight on members of our Viaka Network. Plus, you'll find relevant job postings, upcoming events, and reading materials. Subscribe below!
We spoke with Alexander Harik, the founder of Zesty Z
What's are you currently working on?
I'm the CEO & Co-Founder of Zesty Z, an emerging packaged food brand. Our lower-carb pita chips will launch in Feb 2024! It's the first of its kind, and our goal is to be the leading alternative to Stacy's, a Frito Lay-owned brand. Stacy's own that owns 82% of the $400M+ pita chip category.
Previously, we sold Za'atar pre-mixed with oil and as a dry seasoning in 2,000+ doors, including Whole Foods nationally, in Costco, airlines, and meal kits. Zesty Z has been featured in the national press, including NPR's How I Built This (
https://twitter.com/HowIBuiltThis/status/1141058982112583685
What's the "origin story" behind your current full-time job(s)?
My Lebanese roots and the rise of the Mediterranean Diet inspired Zesty Z. I grew up outside of NYC, saw the popularity of hummus and Greek yogurt brands, and thought to myself...I should do something similar! Plus, food and hospitality are part of our MENA genes.
So I saved money, asked Mom to be my co-founder, rented space in Brooklyn to pack the Za'atar, and went door to door in NYC to sell our za'atar until other retailers and distributors noticed us.
We pivoted into pita chips in 2023 after meetings with retailers and distributors, who specifically asked us for new options for Stacy's.
Why are you interested in connecting with MENA’s global startup community?
Learning and sharing from within the MENA community is important because of my heritage, promoting diversity, and my desire to celebrate our beautiful cultures to the broader audience.
What's your favorite part of the Viaka Network thus far? Do you have any memorable experiences or helpful connections made that you can share with me?
I just joined the network and look forward to experiencing it and meeting fellow members.
How can members of the Viaka Network (and beyond) be most helpful to you and your work right now?
Scaling operations, strategy, and fundraising are the current areas I'd love to learn and share more about within the community.
Bonus: favorite dish from the MENA world?
I'll give you two: Manoushe with cheese or labne/veggies. Fattoush, it's better than tabouli. I know this is controversial ;)
Upcoming Events
Below is a list of upcoming events from the Viaka Network & beyond over the next couple of weeks
Food & Bev Demo Day - March 5th (Virtual)
How to recruit (for non-recruiters) workshop - March 21st (Virtual)
Broader Community:
Harvard Business MENA Conference - March 3th (In-Person)
If you’d like to share an event in this newsletter, we encourage you to join the Viaka Network and share the event with info@viaka.net!
Work Opportunities
Recent job openings from the Viaka Network & beyond. If you apply, let me know so I can also make a personal introduction.
If you’d like to share a job posting in this newsletter, we encourage you to join the Viaka Network and share the event with info@viaka.net!
Reads of the Week
Network members are encouraged to submit media suggestions to our Reading List
Amanda Daering, a tech and VC recruiter, shares her thoughts on the 2024 job market in these industries. Amanda will be giving a workshop with us in March.
That’s it for this week. Thank you! 👋
Like what you see? Here are some things you should do: