Experience the Joy of Snacking with Unique Local Flavors and Friendly Vibes at SAVOR Snack Shop in Cranford, NJ

Welcome to SAVOR Snack Shop, Cranford’s newest opening where you can fulfill both your sweet and salty cravings! In this interview, meet Jason Sanchez and Michele Santo, the local couple behind this exciting venture. Learn about their unique backgrounds, how they met, and their shared passion for creating a space where the community can enjoy high-quality snacks and beverages. Read about the inspiration behind SAVOR, the variety of delicious offerings, and what makes Cranford, NJ the perfect home for their shop!

Meet the Founders: Jason Sanchez and Michele Santo

Tell us a bit about yourselves and your background

Jason Sanchez grew up in Edison, NJ. He went to the Midwest for college at Purdue University. Later, he moved to Chicago and started a chain of retail pet supply stores. After selling his company, he returned to New Jersey and settled into Living in Cranford.

Michele Santo grew up in Aberdeen, NJ, and enjoys art, yoga, and the beach. She received a BFA in Visual Communications from Kean University, a Health Coach certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and is a certified EFT Practitioner. Michele helps wellness leaders shine online with digital marketing strategy and copywriting. Her passion is empowering women to create fulfilling relationships by asking for what they want.

A Journey of Entrepreneurship and Collaboration

Share the story of how your entrepreneurial paths brought you together

We met on a blind date at our friend’s house. As we got to know each other, Jason told me he always wanted to start his own brand. He turned to me and asked, “I wonder with my business experience and your creativity if we could build a brand?” I replied, “Sure, why not?” Seven years later, here we are opening a store together.

How did your backgrounds in pet supplies and wellness branding influence the creation of SAVOR Snack Shop?

I’m a big believer in starting where you are, doing what you can while using what you have. Our backgrounds blend well because he is strong where I’m not and vice versa. Jason excels in business operations, product sourcing, and customer satisfaction. I like marketing, collaboration, and visual merchandising. I managed Funk and Standard, a clothing and gifts store in Red Bank, and had fun working for Whole Foods Market as their Healthy Eating Specialist where I’ve learned listening is key to delighting your customers.

The Inspiration Behind SAVOR Snack Shop

The inspiration to open SAVOR Snack Shop in Cranford, NJ

Previously, Jason had an online store selling chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, and candy. While it was a great experience, in the back of his mind he always knew the products were better suited for a retail environment where people could see and try them in person. When the right location came along, it was time to get serious about opening SAVOR in Cranford, NJ.

What do you love about this town?

We live in Cranford, so opening the shop here definitely made sense. This is a town that supports local business, and is alive with music, family-friendly events, restaurants, and shops. It’s only going to get better, and we wanted to add something different to the town – all of your cravings in one store!

Explore the Delicious Offerings at SAVOR Snack Shop

Describe the types of snacks customers can expect to find at SAVOR

You will find a variety of sweet and salty snacks, beverages, and gift baskets. Everything from chocolate-covered nuts, pretzels, and cookies to chocolate bars and fudge. SAVOR will carry fun flavors such as dill pickle peanuts, honey-roasted cashews, and a variety of nut butters. Notice the assortment of dried fruit, chips, crackers, cookies, gummy candy, bars, and honestly so much more. SAVOR Snack Shop offers ALLERGY-FRIENDLY options, too.

And don’t forget the drinks!

SAVOR will stock high-quality and unique drinks such as coconut water, kombucha, flavored teas, juices, cold coffee beverages, and more.

Are there signature items or customer favorites you anticipate?

Two things come to mind: gifts and chocolate. Michele will put together gifts filled with the recipients’ favorites for any occasion. SAVOR will carry its own line of chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit. Chocolate is our most celebrated item, and we have a whole wall dedicated to chocolate covering everything.

The Meaning Behind “SAVOR”

How did you come up with the name “SAVOR” and what does it mean to you?

Jason and I brainstormed for weeks on what to name the store. We made lists of words to describe the joy of snacking. The word SAVOR rose to the top of the list because it means:

• Enjoy good food and drink
• Be in the moment
• Be grateful
• Be happy

That’s what you can expect when you visit SAVOR Snack Shop.

Savoring the Simple Things in Life

“Savoring the Simple Things in Life” – describe what this means to you personally

We have a black and white picture of the beach in our bedroom with the words “Enjoy the Little Things.” On a personal note, walking in nature, catching up with friends, spending time with family, doing meaningful work, and enjoying a good snack make life enjoyable—those are the things that matter most.

Personal Favorites at SAVOR Snack Shop

What are Jason and Michele’s favorite snacks in SAVOR?

We love so many items, it’s hard to choose! Jason loves dark chocolate-covered pretzels and cookies. Michele enjoys Siete’s line of chips and dark chocolate-covered caramel clusters, yum!

Excitement for the Grand Opening

As you prepare to open SAVOR Snack Shop, what excites you the most?

Jason looks forward to testing the snack shop idea, hoping it will resonate with the local community. Michele has been mostly working from home for the past 11 years and is ready to step out from behind the laptop and into the world again.

Savor Snack Shop is Opening Soon: Stay Tuned!

Anticipated opening date?

SAVOR Snack Shop will be opening in August 2024. Stay tuned to our Instagram and Facebook for the official opening date.

We are located at 18 N. Union Avenue in Cranford, NJ next to Old City Café & Grill. SAVOR will be open Monday – Saturday 10:00am – 7:00pm and Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: SAVOR Snack Shop
• Facebook: SAVOR Snack Shop

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