Fortune Favors

Ownership

Fortune Favors was founded in 2018 by award-winning chef Eric Rupert with co-founder Jessica Benish and Eric's sons, making it an independent owner-operated business with no corporate or PE backing.

Local Sourcing

The company does not publicly disclose specific sourcing information. While they mention small-batch handmade production and work with local partners like Mayana Chocolate and Planet Propaganda for branding, there is no clear information about where raw ingredients or packaging supplies originate.

Community Involvement

The founders collaborate with the Goodman Center Food Pantry, Overture Center, and the Urban League of Greater Madison, and they donate nuts widely and sponsor the Goodman Center's Thanksgiving basket drive which provides meals to 25,000 Dane County residents each year.

Local Workforce

Workers earn an average wage more than 50% above typical manufacturing rates in southern Wisconsin, and contract workers receive the same pay and respect as full-time staff. Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, and flexible scheduling, resulting in high employee retention rates.

Revenue Retention

Fortune Favors is now available in over 250 Whole Foods stores and recently secured shelf space in more than 1,400 Publix supermarkets, indicating significant national expansion that likely results in revenue flowing out. However, the business remains Madison-based with local retail presence and community investment.

Local Presence

The website uses highly polished, personality-driven marketing copy with poetic language ('magic seeds,' 'enchant every moment') that could indicate a small brand, but lacks any local anchors: no owner/staff names, no Madison/Wisconsin references, no named local suppliers, and 'As seen on Top Chef' suggests broader commercial reach. The business address in Cottage Grove appears to be a secondary listing for a product-focused brand rather than a traditional restaurant.