Cue "Carry On Wayward Son" because the M.F. Willis Hot Sauce journey has had its fair share of demons to face and people to save (from bland food, that is ...)
It's been a heck of a ride going from a Chesterfield, Virginia backyard garden to weekend markets to a storefront ... and then having to pivot with a day's notice and figure out, "What's next?"
But sometimes you've got to appreciate the journey as you dive headfirst into the next adventure. So here's what we're celebrating tonight as we watch our calendars and April to-do lists fill up--fast.
A Taste of Success at Quarterfield Markets
Earlier today, we joined our friends in Powhatan in celebrating the Grand Opening of Quarterfield Markets at Hertzler's Farm. And it marked a major milestone for us: M.F. Willis hot sauces, hot honey and jerky on market shelves.
More important? We loved seeing all that support for what this year-round farmers market represents: Quarterfield promotes locally grown, raised, produced and sourced items and the people who make them. It's all about authentic farm experience for families, supporting local business and developing a support system for a collective of local vendors.
The energy was electric (and not just from the capsaicin over in our corner). Over a THOUSAND people showed up to opening day and we could barely keep hot honey and jerky on the shelves.
We couldn't be more proud to see the turnout for
such an important mission and great idea.
New Friends, Familiar Faces
One of the best parts of our first day at Quarterfield Markets? Seeing folks who'd already tried our hot sauce come back for more! Nothing says "Ooh that's good" or "Whew, that's hot" quite like returning M.F. Willis fans who can once again find our products throughout the week.
We also made connections with new and familiar local vendors who believe in supporting small and artisan businesses. Learn more about who you can find alongside us!
Product Updates and News From the Test Kitchen
Over the last few months, we've debuted some monster new options y'all have been loving: Especially Bearable and Un-Bearable Hot Honey and multiple beef and venison jerky flavors and heat levels.
But we also retired one of our early flavors: Wasabi Ginger. We'd originally cooked it up for the very mild end of the spectrum, and it's safe to safe people either loved it or hated it. We may bring it back seasonally, so be on the lookout if you were one of the diehard Wasabi Ginger fans.
Speaking of seasonal flavors?
We're banging pots around in the test kitchen and looking for ways to introduce some truly small batch flavor options that won't be permanent fixtures but take advantage of Central Virginia's seasonal produce in fun ways. Right now, we're on the second test batch of Sichuan Strawberry Syrup that turns all these perfect spring strawberries into big-flavor topping for waffles, fried chicken or ice cream.
Pivoting Like Pros
Let's be real – our business plan has had quite a few plot twists and season cliffhangers. We went from friends and family sales to pop-up markets to a shared brick-and-mortar storefront. But if you saw our previous post, you know that things went ... a little sideways. But the family business always calls you home, even if it means taking a slightly different path.
Reconnecting with our local community wasn't just a pivot – it was a return to what matters most. Seeing the faces light up (and sometimes turn red and start hiccupping) as people run the gauntlet of sauce flavors from mildest to hottest ... well, it reminds us why we started M.F. Willis Hot Sauce Company in the first place.
Our hot sauce might not save people from supernatural beings, but it definitely saves dinner from boring big box condiments and lousy novelty sauces that gather dust in your pantry.
What's Next on This Road?
The spring season is looking hotter than a perfectly (and constantly) restored four-door Impala. We've got events lined up all spring where you can come find your next favorite flavor or try what we're testing this season. foods.
Here's where you can find us in and around RVA during the coming weeks:
- River Street Market: Every other Sunday!
- Harpers Mill Market and Devin Samuels Truck and Car Show: April 26
- Strangeways Brewing: April 27
- Chesterfield County Farmers Market: Every Wednesday starting May 7!
Join the Hunt (for Flavor)
Ok, we might not actually be saving people and hunting things (if you know, you know), but we are making damn good hot sauce. If you've already experienced the burn, spread the word!
Follow our ongoing adventures on Instagram and Facebook. And if our sauce saved you from a boring lunch or dinner, leave us a Facebook or Google review!
Our hot sauce family is growing every day, and we couldn't be more grateful for everyone who's supported us on this journey.
Carry on, wayward sauce lovers!
The M.F. Willis Hot Sauce Crew
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Full text from our header image:
It all started with a family garden. John Willis didn't expect his backyard plot to be anything other than a tradition and hobby for him and his new granddaughter, but an overflow of habanero peppers changed everything.
Today, M.F. Willis Hot Sauce Company offers eleven unique, craft hot sauces. Each one has its own personality and distinct flavor profile that showcases local ingredients or perfectly complements your favorite foods. These are sauces made to be used and enjoyed -- not novelty sauces that burn all taste away and gather dust in the pantry. We take flavor just as seriously as we take heat. That's why when you ask what we use them on, our answer is: "Everything!"
We're family owner, family operated, and local to central Virginia. Excited to bring you memorable hot sauces and hot honey, from our backyard to your table!