Back to the Roots

Back to the Roots is more than just a company—it’s a movement to reconnect people with where their food comes from. Founded in 2009 by college friends Nikhil Arora and Alejandro Velez, our company began with a unique idea: growing gourmet mushrooms on recycled coffee grounds. What started as an urban mushroom farm has since blossomed into a thriving business with a bold mission to “Undo Food,” offering everything from organic soils, seeds, and plant foods to ready-to-eat cereals and indoor gardening kits. Back to the Roots makes it easy for anyone, anywhere to grow their own food and embrace sustainability in their daily lives.

As a certified B-Corp, Back to the Roots is committed to environmental and social impact, from feeding over a million children daily through our organic cereal in the NYC public school system to offering gardening products in over 15,000 stores nationwide, including major retailers like The Home Depot, Target, and Whole Foods. BTTR’s founders, recognized globally for their innovation and sustainability efforts, have earned accolades such as Forbes’ “30 Under 30,” Inc.’s “500 Fastest-Growing Companies,” and even recognition from President Obama as Champions of Change.

If you’re looking to make a real impact, Back to the Roots offers the opportunity to be part of a company that is transforming the gardening and food industries from the ground up. Working here means joining a team that values creativity, sustainability, and purpose, all while being part of a fast-growing, nationally recognized brand. With our roots in Oakland, CA, our company offers a culture of innovation, and every team member plays a role in helping families reconnect with the food they eat and the land it comes from.

Back to the Roots is a great place to work because we combine purpose with innovation, offering our employees the chance to be part of a mission-driven company focused on sustainability and reconnecting people with their food. With a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture, team members are encouraged to bring their ideas to life and make a real impact on the environment and communities. As a certified B-Corp, Back to the Roots is committed to both people and the planet, creating an inspiring work environment where everyone’s contributions are valued and celebrated.

We're on a mission to reconnect every family & kid back to where food comes from by helping them experience the magic of growing it themselves - no green thumb or backyard needed.

We want everyone to enjoy our organic gardening products and join us on our journey to get America growing!

Our vision at Back to the Roots is to inspire a new generation to reconnect with simple, real food through radical transparency and authenticity. We believe food should be personal, understood, and celebrated—just like it was for past generations—and we’re on a mission to make that connection exciting and accessible for millennials and their families.