The longtime Philadelphia Eagle is using his profile to help Hank Sauce, originally made in Sea Isle City.
Already a familiar face on ESPN’s Monday Night Football and co-host of the hit podcast New Heights, Jason Kelce is adding a spicy venture to his post-NFL playbook.
Kelce’s latest play off the field is investing in Hank Sauce, a New Jersey hot sauce brand with deep roots at the Shore.
Based in Sea Isle City and now operating out of a 10,000-square-foot facility in Millville, the company hopes Kelce’s backing will help it grow from a local favorite into a national name.
Kelce, whose 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles made him a household name, announced the partnership through his investment firm, Winnie Capital.
Hank Sauce, founded in 2011, is already sold in about 5,000 stores nationwide. With Kelce’s backing, the company hopes to expand its reach and become a nationally recognized name in the condiment aisle.
Winnie Capital’s portfolio spans media, athletics, consumer packaged goods, apparel, real estate, agriculture, and technology. For Kelce, Hank Sauce is more than just another investment.
“As someone who has spent time in the South Jersey area for the past 14 years, I’ve gotten to know the people who built the brand and see the awesomeness that exudes from behind and within its bottles,” Kelce said in a news release.
“When an opportunity arose to be a part of this thing, and help let folks know what makes this brand and product so fantastic for any of your culinary or flavor-adding endeavors, I couldn’t jump on board fast enough,” he added.
As a business partner, Kelce will help Hank Sauce produce original content as it strategizes its brand initiatives to grow its customer base.
The first blend of Hank Sauce was crafted by three college roommates, Brian “Hank” Ruxton, Matt Pittaluga and Josh Jaspan.
Their passion for a “do-it-yourself” approach spurred a hobby for sauce making. The first batches were made in a garage before being created in Hank Sauce’s flagship restaurant, where its creators handcrafted bottles for six years.
Hank Sauce based its operations in Sea Isle City, where Kelce owns a summer home and hosts an annual charity event at the Ocean Drive Bar & Restaurant. The sauce is now produced in a 10,000-square-foot facility in Millville, in Cumberland County.
“Trying Hank’s recipe in college completely changed my mind about hot sauce,” said Pittaluga. “After watching friends react to it for the first time, we realized there was a real opportunity for mild sauces that enhance food instead of overpowering it.”
“We’ve poured our lives into building this brand, and we couldn’t be more excited to have Jason on board—not just as a partner and ambassador, but as a genuine fan long before this partnership," he added.
Kelce was drafted by the Eagles in 2011, achieving seven Pro-Bowl and six first-team All-Pro selections as Philadelphia’s starting center. His career includes a Super Bowl LII championship.
Kelce hosts the original, sports-centric podcast “New Heights” with brother, Travis, a longtime tight end with the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Category: General Sports
