The Story of Mama Geraldine's
Back in 1994, Cathy Cunningham had a lightbulb moment that would change her life forever. She was working in Atlanta’s radio business, successful but feeling unfulfilled. One evening, while unwinding with a glass of wine and nibbling on some pricey cheese bites, Cathy couldn’t help but think, “My mama’s cheese straws are way better than these! You know what? I could turn Mama’s recipe into a business.”
And that’s exactly what she did.
Cathy’s mama, the late Geraldine Cunningham, was a beloved teacher from Newnan, Georgia, and a true Southern gem. She learned her way around the kitchen from her Swedish mom, Emma Lindgren McCloskey, and passed down those time-honored baking skills to her family. With four kids to feed, Geraldine made the kitchen her kingdom—especially when it came to her buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cheese straws. They were a hit not just with her kids, but with everyone in Newnan. Anytime the Cunningham kids stirred up some trouble, Mama Geraldine’s cheese straws were the perfect peace offering!
After realizing that corporate America wasn’t a long-term fit for her free spirit, Cathy went all-in on her passion project and launched The Bodacious Food Company. Why “bodacious”? Because to Cathy, it means “as good as it gets!”
Fast forward to today, and Mama Geraldine’s Cheese Straws come in three irresistible varieties and have become the best-selling cheese straws in the country! The Bodacious Food Company even expanded to include a line of cookies like Italian Wedding, Pecan Cini-Minis, and Key Lime, which we're working to bring back since recovering from our warehouse fire in September of 2023. We look forward to continuing to bring joy to snack lovers around the globe.
Cathy’s mission is simple: spread the love of Mama Geraldine’s cheese straws far and wide. “There’s nothing better than a freshly baked cheese straw,” she says. And on top of that? “I haven’t worn pantyhose in over 26 years!” Now that’s living the bodacious life.
Snack on, y'all!
The Story of Mama Geraldine's
In 1994, Cathy Cunningham had a lightbulb moment—her mama’s cheese straws were better than anything on the market. So, she turned Mama Geraldine’s beloved recipe into a business.
Rooted in Southern tradition, these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cheese straws became an instant hit. Cathy left corporate life to launch The Bodacious Food Company, because to her, “bodacious” means “as good as it gets!”
Today, Mama Geraldine’s Cheese Straws are the #1 best-selling cheese straws in the country, alongside our delicious cookies. After overcoming a warehouse fire in 2023, we’re excited to keep spreading the joy—one bite at a time!
Snack on, y'all!
About Cathy
Cathy Cunningham, once a successful radio executive, traded in the corporate grind for the satisfying crunch of her mother’s legendary cheese straws. Swapping out her pantyhose for a hair net and a passion for baking, Cathy turned her family’s cherished recipe into a booming business, bringing joy to snack lovers everywhere. Her no-nonsense entrepreneurial spirit has guided Mama Geraldine’s to become the go-to brand for cheese straws with that homemade, Southern touch.
Now at the helm of Mama Geraldine’s, Cathy’s mission is simple: share her mama’s buttery, flavorful cheese straws with the world. With a growing selection of treats and a focus on quality ingredients, she’s built a brand that continues to spread joy in every bite. Just like her journey from the boardroom to the kitchen, Cathy’s story is about embracing change, following your passion, and always keeping it delicious!
About Cathy
Cathy Cunningham left corporate life to turn her mama’s legendary cheese straws into a beloved brand. With a passion for quality and Southern tradition, she built Mama Geraldine’s into the go-to name for buttery, homemade-style snacks. Her mission? Spread joy, one delicious bite at a time!
"As a mother with three boys who at times seem to be human disposals, I just wanted to send you a quick message to let you know how much we enjoy your products. I love to see my family eat something they enjoy so much and they certainly enjoy your products. Thank you for your care and quality. We certainly appreciate it."
– Heather R
"I rarely do this, unless I am really in love with the product. Sure enough, I am in love with this product and quality, love the key lime cookies and I just found out about your aged cheddar cheese straws which is seriously motivating to find some in Arizona and shove them in my mouth immediately. Thank you for the goodness."
– Billy N.
"Accolades, kudos, and high fives. Last night my hubby and I toasted our 36th with a bottle of Vueve and Mama Geraldine's cheddar cheese straws. Yum. And now for breakfast with coffee. I wanted someone there to know how pleased we were with this product. I usually make my own, but now I have a quality standby. My mama (92) will love them I know. How nice to give a rave review to a product and a company based on family recipes. Yummy."
– Kristen S.
