We’re looking forward to introducing you to Frederick Privette. Check out our conversation below.
Frederick, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
For generations, the s’more has stood as a symbol of warmth, childhood, and shared moments around the fire. Many confectioners have taken the timeless trio of graham, chocolate, and marshmallow and put their own spin on it. But I didn’t just recreate it—I created something entirely my own: S’morz Krunch.
While most candy makers focus on simply blending familiar flavors, I took it a step further. I asked myself: What if this beloved campfire tradition could deliver more than sweetness? What if it could deliver a signature crunch that lingers with every bite?
The answer became S’morz Krunch—a confection that amplifies the graham cracker foundation, intensifies the textures, and still delivers that indulgent chocolate–marshmallow harmony everyone craves.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
For more than 30 years, I have devoted my life to the food industry. My passion has always been food—creating it, sharing it, and watching the joy it brings to others. Over the years, I’ve prepared just about everything you can imagine, but confectionery has always held a special place in my heart.
About 20 years ago, I created my very first confection—not for sale, but simply as a snack to keep around the house. That creation was S’morz Krunch. Curious to see what others thought, I shared it with co-workers, relatives, and friends. The response was overwhelming—it was a hit from the very first bite.
That moment was the spark. What began as a simple homemade treat quickly grew into something much greater. From that single creation, KPKandies was born—a company dedicated to crafting small-batch confections that transform simple ingredients into extraordinary experiences.
When new customers try our Smorz Krunch for the first time, the reaction is unforgettable. Real s’mores lovers know instantly—they’ve got a party going on in their mouth. Many ask me how I come up with flavor combinations that mesh so perfectly. My answer is always the same: “That’s a Chef Fred secret.”
In 2023, we had the honor of competing in Dessert Wars, where we proudly placed 18th with the judges out of 25—a milestone that showed us just how far this little creation has come.
Now, the treat that started it all is available to everyone. Beginning October 1, you can order Smorz Krunch directly from our website and experience the crunch, the flavor, and the creation that put KPKandies on the map. www.kpkandies,biz
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
As a chef, I have served my purpose in the kitchen. At this stage of my life, it’s no longer just about cooking—it’s about teaching, informing, and most importantly, sharing my creations with the world.
Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of s’mores-inspired products, but none like KPKandies’ Smorz Krunch. I have yet to meet a true s’mores lover who doesn’t fall in love with our version.
So, what makes Smorz Krunch so different? It begins with my very own chocolate blend, handcrafted to deliver the perfect balance of richness and smoothness. Then I went further, adding pecans and rice crisp to bring a bold, unforgettable crunch that takes this classic campfire treat to an entirely new level.
Our version of s’mores isn’t just candy—it’s a reimagined experience. One bite of Smorz Krunch and you’ll find yourself asking: What took so long for someone to create this?
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
It’s not something I miss—it’s someone I miss. That someone is my dad. He passed away just two days after the new year of 2025.
I was once told, “In order for you to understand what you had, you have to lose it.” The sad truth is, when you lose it, you can never get it back. But even in loss, I try to find something good in the bad. For me, the good is knowing that my dad was here long enough to see KPKandies come to life and to try my products.
I’ll never forget when he first told me, “No one would eat graham crackers dipped in chocolate.” It was funny because later, at one of my events, he saw the long line of people waiting to buy Smorz Krunch. The look on his face was priceless. I handed him a sample and asked him to try it. He took a bite and said, “Son, you’re on to something. Now let me buy a few bags.”
That moment meant everything to me. It was always my dad and I. I dreamed of one day putting him in a small home in the country with a red Corvette—the life he wanted. I didn’t get the chance to make that happen before he passed, but I know he was proud. He lived long enough to see his son become a successful man.
I can’t remember the first time I called him “Dad.” But I’ll never forget the last time—and the silence when he didn’t answer. That silence told me he was gone. In my life, there was never a time when I called to my dad and he didn’t respond—until that day.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is the real me—what you see is what you get. Over the years, I’ve learned that there’s a clear difference between family and relatives, and between friends and associates.
I’m a reserved person by nature. If I allow you to get close, it means you’ve truly earned that place in my life. I value authenticity, loyalty, and honesty above all else—because those are the same qualities I bring to my craft and my creations.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in two places: the kitchen and the weight room. The kitchen is where my creativity flows—where flavors, textures, and memories come together to create something new. The weight room is where I find discipline and strength—where I push myself to be better, rep by rep.
Together, those two spaces keep me grounded. One feeds my passion. The other fuels my drive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kpkandies.biz
- Instagram: kpkandies
- Facebook: kpkandies
- Youtube: Cooking With KPKandies
- Other: TikTok ChefFred_kpkandies
Image Credits
Dessert Wars
