Saucy Success: The Journey of Junebug’s Hallelu-jah! Sauce 

 Junebug’s Hallelu-jah! Sauce “Tastes like home.”

In the heart of Seattle, a local business is making a big splash. Junebug’s Hallelujah! Sauce is not your average condiment. A unique blend of Creole and Asian flavors, Junebug’s Sauce is a fusion that is as versatile as it is delicious. The innovative product of Gail Thompson and her husband, this sauce was born out of a desire to take the mundane out of the minimal flavor options for hot wings. Created in 1986 at the family restaurant, Thompson’s Point of View, Gail states, “the very first time we brought it out, one of our customers tried it, jumped up, and shouted Hallelujah!”, thus creating the distinctive Hallelu-jah! moniker. Junebug’s Sauce quickly surpassed expectations as a hot wing sauce, as customers started requesting it on everything. Today, it is a multi-faceted option for more than just meat, but tofu, veggies, salad, and even desserts.

Overcoming Strife With Support From Business Impact NW 

Gail is more than just the creator of Junebug’s Hallelu-jah! Sauce and Junebug’s Hallelu-jah Fire Sauce. She is a business owner who has overcome immense tragedy. Sadly, her husband, whom Junebug’s was named for, passed away, leaving her to run the business on her own. Through many obstacles and with unwavering spirit and dedication, Gail has been able to make her mark in the condiment industry, while continuing to honor her late husband. In line with Southern traditions, the family-oriented business was given the title “Junebug’s”, a loving nickname for her late husband, who was a “Junior”.  

A significant part of Junebug’s success has been her journey with Business Impact NW. Working with Maya Rose, Food and Farm Business Coach and Trainer, Gail was able to receive coaching specific to operating a food service small business. In addition to her time with Maya, Gail has also worked with Michael Reis, Boots to Business Trainer and Coach to advance her marketing skills to further increase reach and accessibility, to advance the business.

“When we started working together one-on-one, she knew immediately that she wanted to work on marketing and social media strategy.” Maya continues, “Over a few sessions, we put together a monthly content calendar for the year ahead, which was designed to stir up customer engagement and showcase the many culinary applications of the product.”   

Despite challenges, Junebug’s Hallellu-jah! Sauce continues to thrive. The sauce is available for shipment nationwide, a testament to its quality and appeal as a flavor fusion product. Junebug’s is also available locally at Seattle Markets, Pike Place Market, and surprise pop-up locations. Heavily sought after and requested, the product sells out quickly. With continued assistance from Business Impact NW coaches, Michael and Maya, Gail will continue to receive customized services and support for Junebug’s Sauce, helping to drive business, expand her reach, and be a staple product in households everywhere.  

Customer Focused In a Personal Way

Beaming with pride, Gail exclaims, “one of my favorite moment’s was when a teenager didn’t seem too interested in shopping with her mom but tried Junebug’s Hallelu-jah! Sauce, and turned around with wide eyes and gasped, wow.” That commercial worthy moment, and many others are what drives Gail to continue pushing towards her future goal of being a household staple and internationally recognized brand. She prides herself on personal customer interaction, treating everyone as if they are family, and going above and beyond to show her appreciation. Whether it’s listening intently to a customer sharing a sauce-triggered memory or watching toddlers take their first taste, only to smile from ear to ear, Gail loves serving her community through flavor.

Junebug’s Sauce is also unique in the amount of recipes shared by customers. “This really can go on everything; customers have shared recipes for meat, tofu, sauces, breads, and even desserts!” Gail jubilantly declares. Gail has been surprised many times by the combinations that customers come up with, and states, “it’s heartwarming to hear how loved it is and to see how happy they are with the sauce.”  Many of these recipes can be found on Junebug’s Hallelu-jah! Sauce website. Check out the free recipe below!                                                                                                    

Junebug’s Hallelu-jah! Fire Sauce Air-Fried Tofu with Miso Roasted Pumpkin 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• 1 medium pumpkin, cut into 2” wedges 
• 2 tbsp miso 
• 1 tbsp oil 
• 1 tsp sesame oil 
• 2 tsp rice vinegar 
• 1 block medium tofu, drained and torn into bite-sized pieces 
• 1/4 cup Junebug’s Hallelu-jah! Fire Sauce
• Sliced green onions, and Sesame seeds, to top 

1.  Preheat your oven to 425 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
2. In a large bowl, whisk together miso, oil, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until smooth. Add pumpkin and toss together until coated. 
3. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, flip and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown. 
4. In the meantime, toss together torn tofu, oil and salt and pepper. Spread evenly onto an air-fryer basket and air-fry on 360 degrees for 6-7 minutes, no need to preheat. 
5. Remove from air-fryer and toss with Junebug’s Hallelu-jah! Fire Sauce. 
6. Serve topped with sesame seeds and green onion and add your favorite side!

An Innovative Business

Junebug’s Hallelu-jah! Sauce and Junebug’s Fire Sauce are more than just a culinary delight, but a celebration of business. As a small business, Junebug’s stands a testament, symbolizing strength and innovation. Junebug’s success is a testament to the incredible power of perseverance, highlighting the remarkable journey of a small business, where dreams turn into a prosperous and rewarding reality.  

Despite facing numerous challenges common to food-service small businesses, such as funding constraints, market competition, and packaging and distribution issues, Gail continues to epitomize resilience in the culinary industry. Carving out a niche market, Junebug’s Hallelu-jah! Sauce, has found the recipe for success. Through dedication and innovation, Junebug’s has overcome hurdles, thrived, and proved, that with determination and passion, small businesses can flourish.   

 

For more information on how we can assist with food- based business, please visit Business Impact NW’s Food Business Resource Center.

For more information on an opportunity for food and farm businesses at all levels of food production and food retail in Washington State & Oregon to learn from industry expert please check out Food Biz Week.