OnlyKale names Regina Clarke Scharf COO as Walmart rollout tops 450 stores

OnlyKale LLC has appointed retail veteran Regina Clarke Scharf as chief operating officer as the organic snack brand expands in Walmart to more than 450 stores across 48 states. The hire comes as the founder-led company works to tighten execution, inventory and supply-chain readiness while preparing a second product launch.

Why it matters: - OnlyKale’s Walmart expansion now spans more than 450 stores across 48 states, raising the stakes for retail execution and supply-chain discipline. - The new COO role is meant to help the company scale store-level visibility, demand forecasting and inventory planning as distribution grows. - OnlyKale is also preparing OnlyBlueberry, a single-ingredient blueberry product, so operational capacity now matters beyond one product line.

What happened: - OnlyKale LLC appointed Regina Clarke Scharf as chief operating officer on Oct. 14, 2026. - The company said the hire strengthens operating leadership as Walmart distribution expands beyond 450 stores. - OnlyKale launched in 415 Walmart stores in May 2026. - OnlyKale added Walmart.com in June 2026. - The brand reached more than 450 Walmart locations by October 2026. - OnlyKale is already sold on Amazon and through OnlyKale.com.

The details: - Scharf brings more than two decades of retail experience. - Her background includes 18 years in corporate retail and operating roles. - Her experience covers planning, merchandising, supply chain, inventory management and organizational scaling. - Scharf began her career in the restaurant industry. - She later served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve while moving into corporate retail. - Her resume includes roles at Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Eileen Fisher. - She has also worked with emerging consumer brands. - Scharf holds an Executive MBA from Cornell University. - She earned a Master of Science in Information Systems from Baruch College. - She earned her undergraduate degree from Baylor University. - OnlyKale makes USDA-certified organic, single-ingredient freeze-dried kale powder in single-serve stick packs. - The company says the product format is designed to reduce friction around healthier eating by making simple, nutrient-dense foods easier to use in everyday routines. - OnlyKale was selected as a Golden Ticket winner at Walmart's 2025 Open Call. - The company was founded by Charlie Szoradi and Joseph “Joe” Narke. - Szoradi previously founded Independence LED Lighting, which was acquired in 2021. - Narke’s background includes marketing, business development and strategic partnerships. - Scharf will lead retail execution optimization and operational scale. - Her priorities include store-level visibility, demand forecasting, inventory planning, cross-channel processes and supply-chain readiness. - OnlyKale is developing OnlyBlueberry, a single-ingredient blueberry product now in production.

Between the lines: - The COO hire signals a shift from startup-style launch momentum to the more complex work of supporting a multi-channel retail business. - Walmart growth can create pressure on inventory, replenishment and consistency, especially for a founder-led brand still building operating systems. - The addition of a second product suggests OnlyKale is trying to build a broader platform, not just a single-item brand.

What's next: - OnlyKale’s immediate focus remains strengthening demand, retail execution and operating capacity behind the kale product. - The company is building toward launch of OnlyBlueberry after production is complete. - Scharf said her immediate focus is improving retail execution and building systems that can scale with the business. - OnlyKale will need to convert its Walmart gains into steadier execution across stores, online channels and future products.

The bottom line: - OnlyKale is betting that seasoned retail operations leadership will be the difference between shelf presence and sustained growth.