Chicago Food Entrepreneur Series: Meet Jon Sider of Greater Than

In Chicago, we are known for our sports (Congrats Blackhawks!) and our food.  And luckily, our next Chicago Food Entrepreneur has had an effect on both. We’re happy to introduce you to Jon Sider, the co-founder of Greater Than sports drinks!

Jon and his brother, Mark Sider, felt the need to create the optimal drink for those who live an active lifestyle.  The great thing about Greater Than (no pun intended) is that it’s unlike any other sports drink you’ve heard of: no artificial color or dye, no high fructose corn syrup, and all natural ingredients. Headquartered in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, Greater Than now offers their delicious coconut water in five flavors and continues to fuel athletes in Chicago and around the country.

How would you describe your business?

Coconut Water that tastes great.  We’ve taken the natural goodness of Coconut Water and enhanced it for premium hydration and taste.

What inspired you to start Greater Than?

We are young, hungry and determined to be great.  It just so happens that our sport in business turned out to be hydration.  Living an active lifestyle ourselves, we believed there was a need for a more natural source of hydration.  After learning about Coconut Water, we thought that was the perfect place to start.

What’s your favorite food?

My favorite indulgence is Carol’s Cookies.  Plus there is nothing like Carol’s Cookies to earn a few points with the lady.

When did you have your first Carol’s Cookie?

I had my first Carol’s Cookies at Sunset Valley Golf Club.  It was much greater than a first kiss.

What do you associate Carol’s Cookies with?

I associate Carol’s Cookies with delicious happiness.  They’re always delicious and they always make you happy.  Yum!

Name your favorite thing about Carol’s Cookies.

Carol’s is rooted in our hometown of Highland Park.  It’s an entrepreneurial story that can inspire others.

If you had to create a new Carol’s Cookie, what flavor would it be?

How about some Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, topped off with Cinnamon & Sugar!  That would be a Greater Than Moment!

Thanks again to Jon for chatting with us about Greater Than (and his love of Carol’s Cookies)! All natural ingredients made us successful and we have no doubt that the same will be true for Greater Than!