Food Network Owner Acquires Millennial Food Hub Spoon University

Scripps Networks Interactive, the parent company of Food Network, has agreed to buy Spoon University, an online food publication that caters to millennials. Spoon University was founded in 2013 by Mackenzie Barth and Sarah Adler when they were students at Northwestern University. The site reaches up to 4 million direct visitors a month along with millions more through video views and engagement on social media.

Through the acquisition, Scripps says it hopes to reach new audiences and jump on emerging digital platforms, such as Snapchat, according to the press release.

"Spoon University captures the grassroots passion for food and community that is so important to millennials today," Kathleen Finch, chief programming, content, and brand officer at Scripps Networks Interactive, said. "Food Network has become a significant force in digital and social food storytelling over the course of the last year, and this acquisition will provide us with the opportunity to build content, community, and brand as we seek to accelerate our strategy in the sector."