About Pop Daddy Snacks

Who is Pop Daddy?

That question comes up a lot. With a name like Pop Daddy, people often wonder about the person behind the product. Pop Daddy Snacks was founded by Mark and Erin Sarafa, who were passionate, some might say obsessed, with microwave popcorn. Seeking a healthier alternative to chemically laden options, Mark began experimenting with kernels and flavors in the basement after purchasing a large popcorn machine.

The popularity of the homemade popcorn was thrilling, and it was given away for free for two years before Erin and their children, J.T. and Grace, encouraged turning it into a business. In 2013, Pop Daddy Snacks was born, built on the foundation of “Bold Snacks made with Big Heart,” and became Mark’s full-time job. The business started in a small bakery in Metro Detroit, staying afloat by splitting rent with tenants found on Craigslist.

While the brand continued to grow and gain traction, something new was coming. In 2018, inspired by a family gift of homemade seasoned pretzels, a new product line was launched that quickly became a hit. With the help of Mark’s son, J.T., the pretzels went viral on TikTok and have become pantry staples and top sellers in the snack market.

Pop Daddy Snacks continues to add new snacks to the lineup and reinforce a commitment to bold, unique flavors. Today, Pop Daddy offers over 25 flavors of snacks, available in over 30,000 U.S. retail locations and 4 countries. Through this growth, Pop Daddy continues to operate out of Michigan and uphold its commitment to BOLD snacks with BIG heart.