Michigan Restaurateur Magazine Quotes Owner of Traverse Bay Farms
Updated: June, 2026
Author: Andy LaPointe - Co-Founder of Traverse Bay Farms
Quick Summary
Traverse Bay Farms was featured in Michigan Restaurateur Magazine, where owner Andy LaPointe shared expert advice on how to turn great recipes into successful retail products. Known for its 38+ national award-winning cherry-based foods, Traverse Bay Farms also helps aspiring entrepreneurs through its hands-on business coaching and consulting program.

At-a-Glance
- Featured in: Michigan Restaurateur Magazine, article “Distributing Your Signature Item”
- Company: Traverse Bay Farms, family-owned in Northern Michigan
- Awards: 38+ national food awards for quality and flavor
- Also offers: Andy LaPointe Business Coaching and Consulting for food entrepreneurs
- Contact: Contact Us or call 1-231-533-8788
Traverse Bay Farms Featured in Michigan Restaurateur Magazine
In the August edition of Michigan Restaurateur Magazine, Andy LaPointe, Director of Marketing for Traverse Bay Farms, was featured in the lead article, Distributing Your Signature Item. His insights offered practical advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs looking to bring their recipes to market.

Traverse Bay Farms has earned 38+ national food awards and has been recognized by leading industry publications, including Michigan Restaurateur Magazine, for its leadership in natural food innovation and small business education.
Related: Traverse Bay Farms Receives Arthritis Foundation Recognition | All National Awards and Recognitions
A Quote from the Feature
Andy LaPointe in Michigan Restaurateur Magazine
“Great taste gets you started, but distribution keeps you in business. The right partners, packaging, and positioning make the difference between a hobby and a brand.”
His perspective underscores the Traverse Bay Farms philosophy, blending authentic flavor, business expertise, and community mentorship.
From Award-Winning Products to Coaching Others
Being in the food business is about more than making delicious products. It is about inspiring others to share their culinary creativity with the world. While Traverse Bay Farms is best known for its fruit-based wellness products such as tart cherry juice concentrate, dried cherries, and cherry salsas, it also offers a unique educational venture.
Andy LaPointe Business Coaching and Consulting
A comprehensive coaching program that teaches aspiring entrepreneurs how to take an idea and bring it to market, implementing cutting-edge AI tools and strategies.
- Step-by-step guidance on developing and launching a product or service
- Proven strategies for finding co-packers, distributors, and retail outlets
- Marketing and labeling compliance resources
- One-on-one business coaching based on real-world experience
This initiative has helped dozens of small business owners navigate product development, packaging, labeling, and distribution, turning personal passion into profit. This hands-on approach has made the program one of the most practical, experience-based resources available to new food business owners.
Why Traverse Bay Farms Gives Back
As a family-owned company, Traverse Bay Farms believes that success is best when shared. Helping others launch their food ventures is not just about business, it is about supporting creativity, local economies, and the growing movement toward small-batch, artisan products. By mentoring new entrepreneurs, the company reinforces its mission of empowering others to succeed in the gourmet food and wellness space.
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask
- How can I start a food business in Michigan?
- What does it take to distribute a recipe commercially?
- How did Traverse Bay Farms get started?
- What makes tart cherry products so popular in Michigan?
- Who is Andy LaPointe from Traverse Bay Farms?
Why People Trust Traverse Bay Farms
- Recognized with 38+ National Awards for Flavor Excellence
- Featured in Michigan Restaurateur Magazine and other national media
- Family-Owned, Community-Focused Company in Northern Michigan
- Dedicated to Mentoring the Next Generation of Food Entrepreneurs
Ready to Start Your Own Food Business?
Contact Andy LaPointe for one-on-one business coaching and consulting. Turn your recipe into a thriving brand.
Contact AndyShop Traverse Bay Farms