Our Story
Uncle Charlie's Gourmet Snacks began with one man's passion for food, family, and a bit of forbidden cheesecake.
Chef C.E. Cottman grew up in Washington, D.C., where he was endlessly fascinated by a homemade cheesecake that his great-uncle “Uncle Charlie” guarded in the fridge – a special dessert off-limits to the kids. Though young Clayton never got to taste that legendary cheesecake, the mystery and love surrounding it ignited his lifelong curiosity about food and flavor.
Years later, his journey took an unexpected turn when he moved to Fargo, North Dakota. He originally came north for work in the oil fields, but when those opportunities dried up he stayed on, taking a job with Sysco and returning to the culinary and creative arts that fed his soul.
It was at a Midwestern Super Bowl party that Clayton discovered a humble local snack called “puppy chow” – crispy cereal tossed in chocolate and powdered sugar – and he was instantly hooked. To his imaginative mind, this simple treat was a blank canvas for something more.
He began experimenting with gourmet chocolates and artisanal flavors, determined to reimagine the classic Midwestern munchie into a truly special indulgence.
A name with history
The name Uncle Charlie’s carries a heartfelt legacy. Uncle Charlie is not a fictional mascot, but Dr. Charles A. Carter – Clayton’s great-uncle – a man who lived a remarkable life of resilience. Dr. Carter served as a Buffalo Soldier and frontline medic in World War II, and later became one of the first Black clinical psychologists in U.S. history.
At family gatherings, Clayton’s great-aunt Thelma baked any cake the children requested, but Uncle Charlie’s legendary cheesecake was strictly off-limits, especially to the kids – it was a special treat made only for Uncle Charlie himself. The young Clayton could only dream about that forbidden dessert, yet it planted the seed of inspiration in him.
Years later, when C.E. Cottman started his snack company, he chose the name Uncle Charlie’s in honor of his great-uncle’s legacy and the sweet nostalgia that first sparked his love of culinary creativity.
Every time you see our name, you're seeing a tribute to family heritage, perseverance, and the idea that some recipes carry stories across generations.
From Dream to Reality
What started as a daydream in 2018 turned into a real business by Fall 2020. Clayton spent two years perfecting his recipes and vision before officially launching Uncle Charlie’s Gourmet Snacks, driven by a single goal: to create gourmet chocolate snacks that feel both indulgent and familiar.
He started small, hand-making each batch of Charlie’s Chow in Fargo, ND, and selling it locally. Early on, the support of the community and local mentors fueled his momentum. Through Fargo’s vibrant startup network – including programs like Emerging Prairie’s StartupBREW and the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation – Clayton found guidance, and encouragement to grow his dream.
Today, that dream has flourished into a bold reality. Uncle Charlie’s Gourmet Snacks has gone from kitchen experiments to a regional sensation, with Charlie's Chow now available in a growing number of stores across the Midwest and beyond. We’ve partnered with regional grocery chains, convenience stores, and specialty shops to bring our snacks to as many people as possible.
Along the way, C.E. Cottman became the first minority-owned snack manufacturer in North Dakota, forging a path that he hopes will inspire other entrepreneurs of color to pursue their own ambitions. The journey from idea to shelf hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge overcame is part of our story.
From a one-man kitchen operation to a growing company, Uncle Charlie’s stands as proof that with hard work, resilience, and community support, a passion project can become a dream realized.
Crafting Nostalgic Delights
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At Uncle Charlie’s, we take a beloved classic and give it a gourmet twist. Our flagship product Charlie’s Chow reimagines the familiar chocolate-coated cereal snack in an extraordinary way.
We start with crisp rice squares and coat them in silky Belgian chocolate along with our proprietary blend of flavors, then dust each piece in powdered sugar for the perfect sweet finish. The result is an unmistakable sweet crunch that sparks childhood memories in every bite.
What sets Charlie’s Chow apart is our lineup of inventive, dessert-inspired flavors – playful nods to childhood favorites like Red Velvet Cake, Key Lime Pie, Orange Creamsicle, Brownie Truffle, Peanut Butter Cup, and fan-favorite Banana Split. Each recipe is crafted to spark that “I remember this!” feeling, blending nostalgia with a modern twist.
It’s gourmet indulgence meets homemade – a combination that’s won over chocolate snack lovers across the Midwest and beyond.
When you open a bag of Charlie’s Chow, you’re not just getting a delicious treat – you’re getting a little taste of the past, reinvented for today.
Our mission
At Uncle Charlie’s Gourmet Snacks, our mission is to share that special feeling of homemade nostalgia in every bite. For us, food is about connection – connecting generations through familiar flavors, connecting friends and family as they share a snack, and connecting our story to yours.
We aim to reimagine classic snacks with premium ingredients and inspired flavors so that each bite of Charlie’s Chow delivers a moment of comfort, joy, and surprise.
We love taking something classic and making it fresh and exciting again, because we believe the best treats are the ones that make you smile and think “You’ve got to try this!”.
This company was built on love for our community, and we’re committed to making a positive impact beyond our products.
We give back whenever we can, whether it’s partnering with local schools for fundraising events or donating to food drives and charity projects, because we believe in the power of food to bring people together.
In short, Uncle Charlie’s is built on a platform of community – we’re proud to be a North Dakota company and want our success to contribute to the community that helped make it possible.
Most of all, we believe in chasing BIG dreams and lifting others up as we do. Named after a war hero and inspired by a family’s cherished dessert, Uncle Charlie’s stands for heritage, hope, and imagination – a reminder that the past can inspire the future.
As the first minority-owned snack company in North Dakota, we hope our story shows other aspiring entrepreneurs that nothing is out of reach.
Chef Clayton often says he operates with a “childlike excitement” for what’s possible, and that optimistic spirit drives everything we do. We love what we do because we get to share that optimism – through delicious snacks and a story that we hope encourages you to pursue your own passions, too.
Our Values
Quality
We never compromise on quality and always strive for excellence in every recipe and every batch. From ingredients to process, the goal is the best snack possible for our customers.
Innovation
We embrace new ideas and continuously improve our products. Tradition inspires us, but we’re not afraid to be creative and think outside the box when it comes to flavor and fun.
Customer Focus
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s ensuring consistency in taste or providing top-notch service, we treat our customers like family – because you are the reason we do what we do.
Join the Family
We invite you to be a part of the Uncle Charlie’s story. Join the #SnackLifeFamily by following our journey and connecting with us on social media for the latest flavor drops, behind-the-scenes peeks, and exclusive deals.
We love sharing our passion with you – whether you’re enjoying a bag of Charlie’s Chow at a party or sneaking a late-night handful from your kitchen, you’re sharing in a tradition of joy, nostalgia, and innovation.
Thank you for believing in our dream and for letting us be a small part of your snacking moments.