Grinola: Faith, Family & Crunchy Dreams with Scott Jones
In this episode of North Georgia Business Radio, host Phil Bonelli goes full-on crunchy as he welcomes Scott Jones, founder of Grinola, a handcrafted granola company born in the hills of White County, Georgia. With a bag of almond cranberry Grinola in hand, Phil dives into a conversation that’s equal parts business insight, family legacy, and faithful entrepreneurship.
What started eight years ago as a simple homemade recipe inspired by Scott’s wife’s radiant smile has grown into a thriving small business. The name “Grinola”—a clever twist on granola and “grin”—sums it up perfectly: this brand is something to smile about.
Scott shares how he refined the all-natural recipe, removed excess sugar, and crafted a unique, crunchy granola bar that quickly won fans at local farmers markets and beyond. But it wasn’t just about perfecting a recipe. For Scott, launching Grinola was also a spiritual calling. He candidly shares how letting go of personal idols and aligning his life with God’s will cleared the path for the business to thrive.
From cottage food licenses to battling for a national trademark, Scott details the hurdles he’s overcome and the legal grit it took to secure his beloved brand name. He credits AI tools for helping him draft a 20-page opposition to a trademark claim—David versus Goliath style—and win.
Grinola’s growth has been steady and intentional. They now operate with a Food Sales Establishment License, use a commercial kitchen in Clayton, and are stocked in local favorites like Green’s Grocery, Mountain Fresh Creamery, Gourmet Goodies in Cleveland, and Betty’s Country Store in Helen. Customers also order nationwide from their website, grinola.shop.
But what really sets Grinola apart? Family. Scott’s daughters help with production and even run their own micro-businesses. His wife, an entrepreneur herself, contributes while running her own nursing agency. They’re building a legacy of hard work, integrity, and joyful living.
The show is filled with laughter, delicious granola, and reminders that success isn’t just profit margins—it’s loving what you do, who you do it with, and why you’re doing it.
Whether you’re an aspiring food entrepreneur, a lover of small-town grit, or just want to know where to get the best granola in Georgia, this episode is for you.
Find Grinola in stores across North Georgia or order online at grinola.shop. One taste and you’ll be grinning too.
Connect with Grinola and Scott:
https://www.facebook.com/p/Grinola-61566426153102/
Connect with Phil Bonelli:
https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/
https://www.instagram.com/hopewellfarmsga/
https://www.hopewellfarmsga.com/
Connect with Beau Henderson:
https://www.facebook.com/RichLifeAdvisors
https://www.facebook.com/NorthGARadioX
This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors
Hopewell Farms GA
Roundtable Advisors
RichLife Advisors
Cadence Bank
Highlights of the Show:
00:31 – 01:32
Phil introduces Scott Jones of Grinola and samples the almond cranberry flavor live on-air.
01:43 – 04:56
Scott shares the origin of Grinola, his wife’s smile, and his spiritual journey that launched the business.
08:24 – 09:23
How Scott moved from cottage food license to a full Food Sales Establishment License and commercial kitchen use.
11:11 – 14:09
The story behind securing the Grinola trademark and how he beat out a big firm with grit and AI.
16:39 – 18:20
Scott talks flavor favorites like pecan blueberry and the labor of love behind cherry chopping.
20:04 – 22:18
Retail partners and supporters from Gainesville to Helen, including Gourmet Goodies and Betty’s Country Store.
24:50 – 25:41
Grinola’s future: packaging upgrades, scaling production, and staying true to the product and values.
31:17 – 33:49
Running a family business: Liberty’s sand art biz, Evelyn’s kitchen cheerleading, and mom’s home care agency.
34:42 – 35:40
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13: The Bible verse that defines Grinola’s culture—joyful work and gratitude.
36:29 – 37:10
New team member Jana joins the mission—proof that even seasoned food industry pros want in on the magic.
