Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole DiTommaso.
Hi Nicole, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2019, I left an executive position to pursue developing a female-owned hot sauce company. Three months after finalizing our flavor collection, the world was hit with CCOVID.
Our business strategy of retail sales was demolished as stores were not accepting new products. I quickly went back to the drawing board and thought… “we can’t just stop, “who else needs serious help right now..”
I decided to approach my connections in the restaurant industry. I came up with a creative concept, using our hot sauce as an ingredient in unique dishes and drinks. I’d work directly with the culinary and mixology teams to put together a coursed menu paired with cocktails. Each course would have one hot sauce flavor infused in the dish and drink.
I took the sole responsibility for selling tickets to the event and surprisingly, I sold out each time. I split the ticket sales with the restaurant each time, sometimes giving 70% back just to get my product in the community.
The magic started to happen. People began to understand the vision. That we were more than a condiment; we are an ingredient!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been extremely challenging journey. Our company had to change manufacturing facilities 2x, pulled a product because of soaring cost and our product cost has gone up 40% in 2 years.
To navigate these obstacles without losing the integrity of the product has been difficult. Each time the numbers change, our business model changes, so obviously it’s been tough to make as much progress in the market as we projected.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a female-owned hot sauce company. We believe we are more than a condiment, we are an ingredient.
Our specialty is working with restaurants to revive wild and fun dishes/drinks that excite existing customers but drive new business as well.
We are here to change the game. We are here to help our community, to put new eyes on the value of creative culinary skills, experience dining.
We are a gang of self believers, encouraging others with a dream that anything is possible no matter the obstacles you may face.
Any big plans?
We are looking forward to hitting 100 restaurant partners, crafting our very own signature cocktail-and bring our brand to life in our very own restaurant.
Pricing:
- $10-$45
Contact Info:
- Email: saucebossgang@gmail.com
- Website: www.saucebossgang.com
- Instagram: @saucebossgang
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saucebossgang
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCQcpRafEHcfxkWYCGmTRTUQ
Image Credits
Victoria Hyder
