Influencer
How Influencer Hannah Chody Is Reviving Austin’s Beloved Organic Nut Milk Brand, Fronks
In the summer of 2024, social media influencer Hannah Chody announced on TikTok she was taking over Fronks, an Austin-based organic nut milk company. Known for its premium nut milk blends, the brand temporarily shut down in February 2024 but is now poised for a comeback under Chody’s leadership.
The purchase was executed alongside her husband, Chad Milburn, and the owner of Texas-based “The Meteor” coffee shop chain. According to Texas Comptroller records, Milburn serves as the registered agent for Fronks LLC.
Fronks’ Journey: From Barton Springs to an Austin Staple
Established in December 2015 by Jordan Fronk, Fronks earned a loyal following with its signature blend of almonds, cashews, dates, and cinnamon. Originally crafted in Fronk’s Barton Springs kitchen, the brand expanded commercially in 2016. Its recipes and commitment to clean, organic ingredients made it stand out in the non-dairy milk market.
Fronks’ products consist of organic, clean ingredients. The original product line includes three flavors—Original, Simple, and Cocoa—along with a seasonal Eggnog blend. This emphasis on quality and transparency resonated with health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to mass-produced non-dairy milk.
“When you cook at home, it gives you an insurance policy that you’re eating well. Eating healthy has never been a crazy focus. Just making your own food is a natural way to eat what seems right,” Fronk said in an interview with Tribeza in 2018.
Despite its success, the company faced challenges, leading to a temporary closure in early 2024. Now, with Chody at the helm, Fronks is undergoing a revival.
A Vision for Fronks
In the TikTok video, Chody explained her reasons for the acquisition, emphasizing her personal connection to the product: “Fronks is such a special product. It’s truly the best house-made nut milk I’ve ever had. My husband and I are committed to bringing it to more people.”
Chody and Milburn are working on expanding the brand’s reach while maintaining its reputation for quality. The company’s operations still include its founder, Jordan Fronk, ensuring consistency in the product’s formulation.
The Expansion: From Local to Nationwide
Before its hiatus, Fronks served Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston through Farmhouse Delivery. Under its new leadership, the brand is reestablishing local partnerships and aiming to expand to major markets like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.
Currently, Fronks is primarily distributed through The Meteor coffee shop chain in Austin, where Chody first discovered the product, and Dallas. Plans involve rekindling relationships with former coffee shop partners in the region. The company has begun reintegrating into Austin’s coffee culture, a key driver of its initial success.
The Influencer Effect on Beverages
Chody’s acquisition of Fronks highlights a growing trend of influencers doing business in various beverage markets.
Emma Chamberlain recently stated that her Chamberlain Coffee brand experienced significant retail growth, increasing its presence from 1,000 storefronts in 2023 to over 12,000 in 2024. Forbes reported that the brand generated an estimated $20 million in revenue in 2023.
Chamberlain Coffee teamed up with Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila in April 2024 to create a limited-edition line of co-branded products designed to produce “the definitive version” of the espresso martini cocktail.
