A heated rivalry between the Packers and Bears has taken an unexpected turn with the introduction of foam cheese grater hats, sparking a unique and controversial fashion statement.
The Cheese Grater Hat Phenomenon
On December 20th, the Chicago Bears emerged victorious over the Green Bay Packers in an overtime thriller, and one player's celebration stole the show. DJ Moore, the wide receiver who sealed the deal with a 46-yard touchdown, sported a giant foam hat resembling a cheese grater, a playful jab at the iconic cheeseheads worn by Packers fans.
"I had no idea what it was!" exclaimed Cole Kmet, Moore's teammate. "But whoever made it is killing it right now!"
And he's right! Foam Party Hats, the company behind this viral sensation, is experiencing a boom in business.
The Story Behind Foam Party Hats
Foam Party Hats is a family affair, founded by Manuel Rojas and his mother, Grace. Grace, originally from Caracas, Venezuela, dreamed up the idea for these fun hats, crafting each design by hand using cardboard, foam, and a hot knife. What started as a festive accessory for a wedding tradition called "Hora Loca" evolved into a full-blown business venture when Manuel and Grace emigrated to the US over 15 years ago.
In 2017, Manuel brought his mother's vision to life, launching Foam Party Hats. The company now employs 23 full-time staff and has seen its biggest break during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grace and Manuel appeared on "Shark Tank," the popular TV show where entrepreneurs pitch their businesses, and their unique designs caught the eye of investors.
From cheese graters to bananas to Marie Antoinette wigs, Foam Party Hats offers a design for every occasion. However, their cheesehead design landed them in hot water with the Packers, who sent a cease-and-desist letter, claiming it resembled their trademarked hat.
The Viral Sensation
After DJ Moore's celebration went viral, Foam Party Hats experienced an explosion in demand. Quarterback Caleb Williams donned a cheese grater hat at his foundation's holiday event, further fueling the craze. The company received over 7,000 orders from fans and inquiries from major retailers. They've completely sold out of their cheese grater stock and are on backorder until March.
Even Packers players have taken notice. Wide receiver Jayden Reed commented, "That's not my business."
As the Packers and Bears prepare for their third meeting this season and their first-ever playoff clash, Manuel Rojas finds himself invested in the game. "I'm a huge Bears fan now!" he exclaimed. "I've got my DJ Moore shirt, and I finally have a reason to get into football!"
So, who will reign supreme in this heated rivalry? And will the cheese grater hats become a staple at Soldier Field? The answers await in this weekend's wild-card showdown.
