Forktales · 2026-02-20 · 51 min
Mike DiBeneditto is CEO of Golden Waffles, a nearly 90-year-old foodservice brand known for its fresh-baked waffle program. With a background in broadline distribution and leadership roles shaped by industry acquisitions, he brings an operator-first mindset grounded in clarity, partnership and disciplined execution. Golden Waffles, founded in 1937, provides an all-inclusive waffle program to operators in more than 50,000 locations across 60 countries. The company supplies mix, irons, service and support, helping foodservice partners add fresh waffles to their menus without operational friction. Under Mike’s leadership, the company rebranded from Golden Malted to Golden Waffles to better reflect what it actually delivers. The transition focused on clarity, modernization and honoring the company’s heritage, with careful internal communication and customer engagement throughout the process. Mike describes the brand’s mission as “happy made easy,” explaining that Golden Waffles exists to remove friction for operators, not just sell waffle mix. He shares that the rebrand was rooted in clarity.
Season 10 highlights51 / 100
Pete Olander - Founder of Happie and innovator in cannabis and functional wellness beverages
Jenny Mehlman - Dairy marketing leader and champion of all things cheese and butter
Madelyn Alfano - Restaurateur, hospitality leader and steward of Italian comfort food
Chuck Meehan - Super Bowl creative veteran and champion of big ideas