SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. — Mikey’s, a gluten-free baked foods company, has partnered with Factory, L.L.C., a scale-up operating company that has agreed to an initial investment of $5 million in two tranches to Mikey’s, the two companies announced Sept. 14. Mikey’s uses almond flour and coconut flour to make items that also may be certified paleo, grain-free, dairy-free, soy-free, peanut-free, non-bioengineered/non-G.M.O., diabetic-friendly, vegan and kosher.
Available in more than 3,500 stores, Mikey’s frozen line features three varieties each of English muffins and muffin tops as well as sliced bread, pizza crust and vegan tortillas.
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| Michael Tierney, founder and c.e.o. of Mikey’s |
“Eating gluten-free is critical for people with celiac disease and valued by many people as a lifestyle choice, but just removing gluten doesn’t make food better for you,” said Michael Tierney, founder and chief executive officer of Mikey’s. “I started Mikey’s to meet the growing demand for baked goods that offer more than gluten-free: unparalleled nutrition with superior taste.”
Factory L.L.C. operates a 40,000-square-foot facility in Bethlehem, Pa., that serves as an innovation center with scale-up capabilities. Mikey’s, based in Scottsdale now, will relocate to Pennsylvania.
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| Richard Thompson, founder and c.e.o. of Factory, L.L.C. |
“We are thrilled to be adding Mikey’s to our portfolio,” said Richard Thompson, founder and c.e.o. of Factory, L.L.C. “The brand meets all our key criteria: innovative, differentiated products that address real consumer needs and taste good, led by a great entrepreneur. We think Mikey’s has huge potential.”
Mr. Thompson previously founded American Italian Pasta Co., Meow Mix Co. and Freshpet. Tim Pollak, previously a board member and marketing consultant at American Italian Pasta, Meow Mix and Freshpet, is a partner with Factory, L.L.C.
“We are beyond ecstatic to partner with Rich Thompson, Tim Pollak and their incredibly talented and accomplished team, and I’ve chosen to relocate Mikey’s to the Lehigh Valley (in Pennsylvania) to take full advantage of Factory’s assets and resources,” Mr. Tierney said. “In the short time we’ve been working together, Mikey’s has made tremendous strides. Our future is very bright.”
