Lite Bites KC
Melanie Webb, founder of Lite Bites KC
Melanie Webb
Olathe, KS
For Melanie, starting a small business was never part of the plan. She simply wanted clean, transparent snacks for herself and her two boys.
Known among friends and family as the “go-to snack maker,” Melanie was constantly experimenting in her kitchen, mixing natural ingredients and perfecting energy bites that could keep up with her busy lifestyle. Just as important was for her boys to have access to those same quality, wholesome snacks.
She perfected her recipe over years of testing, and with the support of friends and family her personal passion shifted into something new. She saw building her business as an opportunity to create something meaningful and show her sons what it looks like to pursue a dream.
"I found myself thinking ‘I guess I need to start an LLC. I guess I need to find a bigger kitchen. I guess I’m leaving my full time job to make this happen!’”
Today, Lite Bites KC distributes to 44 locations across the metro and employs a full-time team of four. Operating out of the K-State Olathe Kitchen Space, the team hand-rolls and packages roughly 2,700 bites every day.
That growth hasn't changed Melanie's approach to people. “I love working with small, local businesses. Those personal touch points and those relationships matter.”
Her operations manager, Emily, started as a Lite Bites customer and got to know Melanie through work at the commissary kitchen. Emily shared, “Melanie made a point of greeting people in the kitchen, even folks on other teams, by name. That attitude and approach, and attention to detail makes her stand out as a boss.”
About the Energy Bites
Lite Bites’ protein snacks are gluten-free and lactose-free, with nutrition and macro information available for each of their varieties. While they make a convenient on-the-go snack, Melanie also recommends adding them to smoothies or using them as a topping for ice cream.
“It feels good to produce clean, transparent products. As a sweets fiend, I should not have to sacrifice taste for nutrition.” The result is a clean, simple, premium snack designed to deliver both.
Find Lite Bites KC protein bites in the fridge and freezer sections at the co-op!