Mike’s Hot Honey: From College Experiment to Multi-Million Dollar Business
Mike Kurtz, the founder of Mike’s Hot Honey, has transformed a college-inspired idea into a thriving business projected to generate $60 million by 2025. The journey from a hobby to a successful enterprise offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The concept for Mike’s Hot Honey originated in 2003 during Kurtz’s college semester in Salvador, Brazil. Inspired by a local pizzeria’s chili-infused honey, Kurtz began experimenting with his own version upon returning to the United States. During his senior year, he developed a unique hot honey recipe that would eventually become the foundation of his business.
Initially, Kurtz made hot honey for friends and family, viewing it as a hobby rather than a business venture. After years working in the music industry and travel blogging, he began selling his product at a Brooklyn pizzeria in 2010. This marked the beginning of the transition from a side project to a full-fledged business.
Kurtz attributes his success to several key factors. Staying curious led him to explore diverse chili varieties at the Hunts Point Produce Market and experiment with infusion techniques. Early feedback from friends, family, and customers at Paulie Gee’s pizzeria proved crucial in encouraging Kurtz to pursue the business further.
The 2008 recession and Kurtz’s passion for pizza making influenced his career shift. Inspired by Paulie Gee’s own career change, Kurtz took a leap of faith, integrating his hot honey into the restaurant’s menu.
As Mike’s Hot Honey continues to grow, with significant retail and food service collaborations, Kurtz’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how a side hustle can evolve into a successful business through persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to take calculated risks.
