Community Highlights: Meet Zachary Goodman of Oak City Hot Sauce

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Goodman.

Hi Zachary, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Both my business partner and I come from a culinary background. This whole thing started when we were both working for Marriott back in 2017, and I had gone to the farmers market to pick up some peppers with the idea that we were going to make a special with them.

We very quickly figured out that they were far too hot, and no one was going to eat anything we made with those peppers – but rather than waste what we had already bought, I decided to grind them up and made a quick sauce. My original idea was just that I was going to feed this to some co-workers, get a laugh out of their reactions, and that was gonna be it.

However, the overwhelming response was “Hey you could sell this!” We sat down, worked out the 5 recipes that have become our main lineup, and ran from there. In 2020, we were lucky enough to gain Harris Teeter as a client, and have since expanded into Lowes Foods and Publix.

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?
We are fortunate in that we have not had any major setbacks, but there are always struggles. It is a lot of work to try and run every aspect of a company, and to have to learn how to do so from the ground up.

Luckily, we have had incredible support from friends, family, and our local community, which keeps us going when it gets difficult.

We’ve been impressed with Oak City Hot Sauce Co, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What I think sets us apart really stems from our background in food and in kitchens. When we set out to make these products, we want to apply the same principles you would when you are making any sort of dish.

We aim for unique flavors that have nuance, complexity, and balance. We want a product that enhances what you’re adding it to – and most importantly, that you enjoy so much you come back for another! Apart from that, one of the main things that set us apart is the amount of custom and local work we do.

At the time of writing this, we have done 17 different custom recipes for local bands, DJs, businesses, breweries, and even the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Downtown has always had a great creative scene, whether that be musically, artistically, culinary – you name it. That means we’ve gotten to talk to and work with tons of cool and like-minded people.

As for what I like least, I would have to say the rapid expansion, and all the problems that come from a city outgrowing itself as quickly as Raleigh has.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.oakcityhotsauce.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakcityhotsauce/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakCitySauce
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoz4oNKBpLX1QkzYUBKpKVA