Seinfeld Movie Unfrosted Based on Glen Arbor Resident Bill Post and Pop-Tart Man

Jerry Seinfeld's new Netflix film, "Unfrosted," has a Glen Arbor connection and is loosely based on the creation of Pop-Tarts.

Unfrosted, the newest comedic masterpiece directed by the legendary Jerry Seinfeld, made its debut on Netflix this past Friday. This film, starring Seinfeld himself alongside A-listers like Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, Hugh Grand, and Amy Schumer, has a surprising connection to Glen Arbor.

Loosely based on the true story of the creation of Pop-Tarts in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1963, Unfrosted follows the epic battle between cereal giants Kellogg and Post. The real mastermind behind Pop-Tarts was Bill Post, a former Keebler employee hired by Kellogg to outshine a rival brand called "Country Squares." Originally dubbed "Fruit Scones," Pop-Tarts quickly became a household staple, with the first shipment flying off shelves in just two weeks.

Bill Post, a Grand Rapids native of Dutch descent, eventually settled in Glen Arbor in the early 1980s. Despite his dreams of retirement, Kellogg convinced him to continue working part-time from his home on Big Glen Lake. Bill and his wife Florence immersed themselves in the Glen Arbor community, attending church in Burdickville and enjoying the serene views of Alligator Hill. After two decades in Glen Arbor, they returned to Grand Rapids in 2003.

The Post family's ties to Glen Arbor run deep, with fond memories of summer vacations on Glen Lake and being the first to sample Bill's Pop-Tarts. Dan and Rachel, Bill's children, recall being the taste testers for their father's creations, which eventually led to the iconic toaster pastries we know today.

In a heartwarming gesture, Jerry Seinfeld's team invited the Post family to the premiere of Unfrosted in Los Angeles. The family was treated like royalty, staying in Burbank, exploring Santa Monica, and attending the star-studded premiere at the Egyptian Theatre. Seinfeld even celebrated his birthday with a giant toaster-shaped cake, paying homage to the iconic Pop-Tarts.

Despite its comedic nature, Unfrosted resonated with the Post family, with Dan noting that certain storylines seemed eerily familiar. Meeting Seinfeld and other cast members was a surreal experience, with the family sharing stories and gifts with the stars.

Reflecting on his father's legacy, Dan mused on how much Bill would have enjoyed the film and the entire journey with Kellogg. The connection between Glen Arbor, Pop-Tarts, and Hollywood is a testament to the enduring impact of Bill Post's ingenuity and the sweet success of Pop-Tarts.

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