We love our craft beer and our small batch bourbons, so why not a small batch, artisanal barbecue sauce? Chuck Wilson, who you might see helping out guests at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach (that’s where we met him), saw a market for handcrafted sauces and turned a hobby into business. We spoke to Chuck about his Smuggler’s Run sauces, how they came to be, and what sets them apart. 

Can you tell us the story of Smuggler’s Run? How it was created, ended, came back and now has expanded to two states?

That is best answered here by my nephew Tom: 

Twenty-something years ago, my uncle Chuck had a desire to start a small business. With a passion to cook and share that love by feeding those in his circle, especially on the grill, BBQ sauces were the direction his culinary compass pointed him. Three BBQs and a unique hot sauce were created and sold at small local markets; Fire Island Pirate Hot Sauce became an award-winning recipe because it was not just hot but offered a fiery heat with amazing flavor that complimented the food it was on.

Due to medical reasons Chuck closed the company and anchored the ship. The Smuggler was no more! When Chuck moved south to retire, he offered me (Tom) the few scraps of what was left of the venture,  the recipes and some equipment.

I began to distribute products throughout New York’s Wine Country and again saw strong growth in that market. Thirsty for more, I asked Uncle Chuck what he thought about joining him in the dream and being a vital part in opening up the Coastal Carolina region to these Pirate-themed creations.  Currently, we have dozens of local retailers in both areas selling the Smuggler via a Direct Store Delivery (DSD) system where we service the store regularly and replenish what they have sold

Why did you choose Tom as the one to handle your sauce legacy?

Tom has always shown an interest in the sauce and the business since its inception. We never had kids and while I love each of them (two nephews and 1 niece) Tom was always the best match for the business.

How did you choose these flavors to release?

It started with the hot sauce  and I wanted to make It different from everything else out there, so i added a blend of herbs and spices to the mix.  After that I just played with different flavor profiles until something slapped my pallet. I settled on:

Chili Lime-sweet tangy with a citrus twist

Chipotle Cream-smooth and smokey

White Grilling Sauce-onion and garlic sauce for marinating that pops when used on the grill

What sets your small batch products apart from more mass produced offerings?

We feel small batch micro-brewed sauces lead to a better quality handcrafted product that today’s consumer strives for.

How did you decide on the maritime theme? Bloomfield is a good way from the sea.

Starting small business is an adventure, to say the least, as is any good culinary experience. It seems like a natural course for it to take. The original four releases had versions of the hot sauce labels with a Skull and Crossbones. When we rebooted the brand we spent many hours creating the labels that more aptly fit the product names. The labels inspire the customer to try us. The flavor brings them back again and again.

What are the plans for there Future of Smuggler’s Run?

Our plans are to expand the hot sauce line to include flavor variations such as…

Honey

Dill Pickle

Pineapple

Chipotle

We are in the process of perfecting these recipes and processes

How did you choose retailers in our region to sell your products?

We strove for mostly tourist venues. That way when a customer wants more after they return home from vacation, it drives our internet sales. But we have a good mix of outlets, some grocery, farm markets, gift shops and a few specialty food store such as a seafood store and butcher shop.

I understand you check on and restock your retailers in person. What’s the advantage of doing that?

Years back, I was a Wise chip delivery guy.  Store/door service is a great way to maintain a strong relationship, excellent service and customer interaction. Translation…. We sell more product!! Lol

Please add anything else you’d like to include that I may have missed

We have seen more growth in the last year than ever before. The consumers appreciate the care and love that goes into out specialty sauces, making Smuggler’s Run truly a taste to die for!