Daily Inspiration: Meet Chris Cooper

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Cooper.

Hi Chris, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a retired public educator and military officer, most of my adulthood has been a life of service. Throughout it all, however, I have always had a passion for food. After catching the competition BBQ “bug”, I began a quest for the key component that could elevate the flavor of my team’s turn-ins. I knew that we used a lot of salt, so I figured that if I could boost the flavor of that simple ingredient it would have an overall positive effect. “Cold Smoking” the raw salt with hickory wood for 24 hours provided the intended result. The course sea salt was literally, almost magically, transformed in color, aroma, and flavor. Our competition team instantly started winning more, and the concept for Cooper’s Provisions Smoked Sea Salts was hatched.

Now retired from public service, my focus and time have shifted to my lingering passion for the culinary arts. At our small facility in Bethlehem, GA [just north of metro Atlanta] Cooper’s Provisions manufactures gourmet smoked finishing salts. We currently have five flavors of hand-crafted smoked sea salts, and one smoked cane sugar. As we continue to grow across the state of Georgia, we have recently merged with a much larger sauce and rub company [MSH Enterprises} to pursue a larger regional and national presence. I love what I’m doing and am still happy to serve the public…now, just one savory bite at a time!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Understanding and completing all of the steps to set up the business and get licensed.

Becoming familiar with all of the food safety practices to pass health inspection and keep compliant.

Figuring out how to scale the entire process as more, and more product is needed.

We need to get much better at promoting the company through social media.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Spices/Seasonings Manufacturer.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books: Mark Kulanski, Salt, a World History

Cheryl and Bill Jamison, Smoke & Spice

John & Dale Reed, holy smoke, the Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue

Sam Jones & Daniel Vaughn, Whole Hog BBQ, the Gospel of Carolina Barbecue

Peter Kaminsky, Pig Perfect

YouTube: Malcolm Reed, Hoe to Barbecue Right

Pricing:

• $5 per tin [wholesale] 2 case minimum
• $10 per tin [retail] or from the website
• Bulk pricing available upon request

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coopersprovisions.com