Spinach King Family Feud: John Seabrook on Dysfunction
- John Seabrook's new book, "the Spinach King," delves into the history of his family's business,Seabrook Farms.
- At its peak, Seabrook Farms produced one-third of the nation's frozen vegetables.
- The story of the Seabrook family and their frozen food empire is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Seabrook Family’s Frozen Food Empire: A Legacy of Wealth and Turmoil
Updated June 06, 2025
John Seabrook’s new book, “the Spinach King,” delves into the history of his family’s business,Seabrook Farms. Far from a small operation, it was a frozen-food empire built by his grandfather, C. F. Seabrook, in Seabrook, New Jersey.
At its peak, Seabrook Farms produced one-third of the nation’s frozen vegetables. While the public image was that of a hardworking, innovative farm family, the company’s success was also fueled by political corruption and violent opposition to organized labor. The story reveals how C.F. Seabrook ultimately destroyed his business and family rather than relinquish control to his sons. The book explores the consequences of inherited wealth and overcoming a family legacy marked by suspicion and emotional abuse.
The story of the Seabrook family and their frozen food empire is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, and wherever you get your podcasts.
What’s next
Listeners can anticipate further explorations into American family businesses and their complex legacies, as well as discussions on the impact of wealth and power on family dynamics.