LAKE FOREST, Ill. — DJ Moore was the star of the show as he celebrated with teammates after the Chicago Bears’ thrilling overtime win against the Green Bay Packers. The team clinched their 11th victory of the season, and Moore received the game ball for his standout performance. He made a game-winning 46-yard touchdown catch, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.
His unforgettable celebration featured a giant foam cheese grater hat, a playful jab at Packers fans who are famous for their yellow cheesehead hats. Tight end Cole Kmet admitted he wasn’t sure what the hat was at first but acknowledged it’s definitely a hit.
“I saw DJ wearing that in the locker room and couldn’t tell what it was. But good for the guy,” Kmet said, pointing out how creative it is. The hat didn’t just make waves on the field; it also catapulted the small business behind the design into the spotlight. Foam Party Hats, based in Houston, saw a surge in orders thanks to Moore.”
Manuel Rojas, CEO of Foam Party Hats, had quite the reaction when he saw the viral video of Moore wearing their creation. “It was an ‘oh wow’ moment for us,” he shared. The company began as a passion project for his mother, Grace, who crafts unique hats by hand. After moving from Venezuela to the U.S. over 15 years ago, they turned her creativity into a thriving business.
Their big break came during the pandemic when they pitched on “Shark Tank,” leading to a major boost in sales. Now, their offerings range from cheese graters to quirky banana hats, proving that fun designs can capture the public’s interest.
The cheese grater hat quickly sold out after the Bears game, and they currently face back orders until March. Customers have flooded in from all over, eager to join the fun. Even some Packers players have noticed, with one stating, “That ain’t got nothing to do with me,” highlighting the playful rivalry.
As the Bears and Packers prepare for their playoff showdown, Rojas has become a newfound Bears supporter, wearing his DJ Moore shirt and getting into the football spirit. “Now I have a reason to watch,” he said, showing how sports can unite fans and businesses alike.
This story is a reminder of how creativity and community can drive success. Small businesses can thrive in unexpected ways, especially during moments that capture public attention.
For more on small business success stories, check out resources from the Small Business Administration.
