CLEVELAND, OH — As reported by Cleveland.com, a Cleveland-area entrepreneur has transformed a personal challenge into a growing food business. When Sonya Patel struggled to find healthy, allergen-free snacks for her children, she created her own solution. This summer, Patel launched Bold & Airy Bites, a line of freeze-dried fruit and vegetable snacks free of allergens and chemical additives.
Patel, who grew up in Solon, has a background in consulting, teaching with Teach for America, and nonprofit service. She began her culinary journey in 2019 with PUR Spices, a globally inspired sauce and spice line designed to bring her children the flavors she enjoyed growing up. Without formal training, she relied on experimentation and support from Central Kitchen’s Incubator program, which she participated in for three years before opening her own facility in Bedford Heights in 2023.
Bold & Airy Bites reflect her mission to provide safe, flavorful, and convenient options for families. The line includes unique flavors such as Banana Pudding, Piña Colada, Sweet Beets, Chai Apple Pie, and Pineapple Mojito. Patel oversees production closely to ensure allergen safety, choosing to self-manufacture rather than use outside contractors.
The products are available primarily online, with select placement in hotels such as TownePlace Suites in Solon and Holiday Inn Express near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. They also appear in local retailers including Market District, Heinen’s, and Fairfax Market.
Patel continues to develop new flavors and seasonal releases, driven by her commitment to creating better food options for families on the go.
