Food52 Interview Questions
& Process

I had an initial phone call with the HR specialist, which lasted about 30 minutes. We talked about the job and my background. They seemed really keen on finding someone who already had a strong network they could use for the role. Even though the posting was for a junior account executive, the work felt more like senior/manager level. The job was advertised as remote, but then they asked if I'd consider a hybrid setup. The job description could have been more accurate to avoid attracting applicants not suited for the role.

I've interviewed with Food52 three times over the last 7 years, and the process has always been the same. You apply online, then a phone interview is scheduled, but the interviewer sometimes misses it. A second phone interview is then scheduled, which is really brief. After that, I usually get an email saying they're moving on with other candidates. Then, I see the job posted again soon after, sometimes with a slightly different title and responsibilities. Three things always stand out during these interviews, even 7 years apart. First, they always emphasize that Food52 is a startup. Even though it might have been true 7 years ago, the company is now over ten years old and definitely not a startup anymore. It feels like an excuse for unprofessionalism and low wages. Second, the job descriptions and responsibilities seem to change whenever they feel like it. Each time I interviewed, I was told the role was being reformatted, and the work division was confusing, with a seemingly illogical org chart where not everyone reports to the VP. Third, my first two interviews focused on community engagement and celebrating contributors. The most recent one, however, was all about e-commerce, suggesting Food52 is more interested in being a store than a cooking resource.

The interview process started with a phone screening, followed by a second round with the hiring manager. I was initially told I'd definitely hear back, but after three weeks and two follow-up emails, I never received any response. This ghosting experience was a major red flag and felt very disrespectful, especially after reaching the second round and being promised a follow-up. In previous workplaces, even for candidates who weren't a good fit, a message was sent to avoid leaving them hanging. It's a shame because I like the company's products and work, and I hope they improve their communication.

The interview process started with a phone screen, followed by an interview with the hiring manager. Then, there was a case preparation and review session with a panel of Product Managers, a designer, and an engineer. Everyone involved was friendly and willing to answer questions about Food52, especially regarding the company's tech organization. I eventually accepted another job offer.