 Pit Bull Hot Sauce
(formerly Manny’s Pit Bull Hot Sauce)
Pit Bull Hot Sauce began in the Spring of 2001. Manny Ortiz and Lisa Anziano developed Pit Bull Original hot sauce and served it at their backyard barbecues. The spare time they spent riding their Harley motorcycle evaporated into another 40 hour a week job. Manny is a Water Main Inspector for H2M, in Melville Long Island, and Lisa is an Art Teacher in the Hauppauge, NY School District.
At the suggestions of friends and family, Manny and Lisa began selling their Hot Sauce “Original” at local Fairs and Festivals on Long Island. “We found that direct sales at Fairs have been most successful in spreading the word. There’s nothing like getting out and meeting people. At the Fairs, we demo our Hot Sauces and BBQ Sauces with chips. It’s fun to see the reaction of those who try our Hot Sauce. People can’t get over the sweet then hot flavor of our Hot Sauces” said Lisa. In 2003, Manny and Lisa introduced their second Hot Sauce “Revenge”. In June of 2004, “Pit Bull Jalapeno Peach BBQ Sauce” made its debut. In 2005, “Renegade” and Jalapeno Pineapple were introduced. “Renegade” is now the hottest in The Pit Bull Family. In the summer of 2007, “Pit Bull Steak/Marinade Sauce” and “Dry Spice Rub” became available. In the works for 2008…”we’ll let our Fans make that call. Send in your comments”…said Manny.
“The Hot Sauce and BBQ Sauce which are sweet and strong are a metaphor for the Pit Bull breed, who despite their reputations are sweet and strong, but gentile companions”. Manny and Lisa are devoted to their dogs. In 2007, they adopted, Leyla and Petey, both 1 year old American Pit Bull Terriers, after the loss of Harlee the Akita, and Syd the Pit Bull. Seven years ago they lost Ticket, also a pit bull, who lived to be 16 years old. “When we decided to start the company, the first name that came into our mind was Pit Bull. We named it in Ticket’s memory,” said Manny.
At this point, Manny’s Pit Bull Hot Sauce is strictly a small-scale family business. Lisa takes care of Internet marketing and sales. Manny works on production and new product development. Together they bottle, seal, and label into the night. “It is taking over our lives! We have fans that look for us at Fairs, and encourage us to create new sauces and recipes. Our Pit Bull Hot Sauce fans are our driving force, and we love to see them at the shows” said Manny.
Manny’s Pit Bull Hot Sauce is available in over 150 gourmet shops, butchers, fish markets, delis and restaurants on Long Island, upstate NY, and Massachusetts. All the stores are listed on the website. “We’ve tried to make the website interactive. There are Hot Sauce cooking recipes and fans are encouraged to send in recipes using the Hot Sauce to become “Chef of the Month.” We also encourage people to send in store locations to get hooked up locally” and “Ask them to write reviews and send pictures” said Lisa. Winners get two 12 oz. bottles free. Listings of upcoming Fairs, pictures taken at local Fairs and favorite links are also posted on the website.
Manny and Lisa are off to a great start. Already, they have received awards and recognition from the Fiery Foods and Barbecue Scovie Challenge. “Original” won 2nd place in 2003 for medium Hot Sauce, and “Revenge” won 1st place in 2004 for Specialty Chile Pepper Hot Sauce. The “Original” won the Golden Chile Pepper Award in 2005 at the Chile Pepper Magazine Contest. The “Original” is the 1st place 2008 Fiery Foods Challenge winner for Medium Hot Sauce. “That’s like winning the Oscars of Hot Sauce Awards”…said Lisa. “We act local, but global sales are growing everyday. Our fans are spreading the work…and for that…we are truly grateful” said Manny.
My advice to you is to check out the website for local shows… and go meet Manny and Lisa. You’ll get a friendly smile and good “ChileHead” conversation. Pick up some Pit Bull Hot Sauce and enjoy the ride. You’ll be glad you did.
For More Information Contact: Tel: 631-666-7462
FAX: 631-666-7462
Internet: mannylisa@pitbullhotsauce.com
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