what’s working
Jeff Liechleiter, general manager of Tim’s Cascade Snacks.
“When I had my initial start-up in Texas, we experimented with a jalapeño flavored chip,” said
Kennedy. “It had some success. So when we started making chips up here, we decided to market
that as well.”
Both flavors are still in production today. Tim’s Cascade Snacks continues to delve
into more unique chip flavors like Hawaiian Teriyaki and Creamy Cucumber and Wasabi.
While not all are a success, they represent the spirit of the company to try different things.
One thing they always try to do is incorporate the spirit and flavor of where they’re based.
“We really like to take flavors of the Northwest and incorporate them into our product
line,” said Leichleiter. “One of our more successful experiments is the Johnny’s Seasoned
potato chips. We like to team up with local producers and brands to make chips that are
unique to the Northwest.”
This commitment to the region extends to every part of the business. Tim’s Cascade
Snacks sources more than 80 percent of its potatoes from local farms. Tim’s purchases
ingredients, materials and equipment from local vendors and manufacturers like
Key Technologies of Walla Walla. Tim’s distribution network is also 100 percent
owner operated.
Despite being first sold to Birdseye Foods, which was purchased by Agrilink Foods and
later, to Pinnacle Foods Group LLC in 2009, Tim’s remains a Washington state registered
corporation and operates independently.
“They give us a lot of autonomy and freedom in how we operate our business,” said
Leichleiter. “We do everything from working with our local potato growers to implement
our own sales and marketing activities.”
For this willingness to experiment and ongoing commitment to high standards, Tim’s
Cascade Snacks has won numerous industry and taste awards. In 1988, Tim’s was named
“the best potato chip in Seattle” and in 2003, Tim’s Cascade won the American Culinary
Institute’s Gold Medal Taste Award in the potato chips category.
Tim’s Cascade has always been
known for their innovation and
willingness to try out different
flavors. While several flavors—
like jalapeño and Johnny’s
Seasoned—have been a success,
there are a few that didn’t quite
make it. Here are a few:
• Limon Con Salsa
• Salsa de Tamarindo
• Sabor Mole
• Cotija y Chile
• Creamy Cucumber
• Habanero
• Cracked Peppercorn
• Alder Smoke Barbecue
• Cajun
• Grilled Steak & Onion
• Honey Mustard
• Coney Island Hot Dog
• Hawaiian Teriyaki
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