Summer Series #3 - CaJohn's Flavor & Fire

Location:

CaJohn’s Flavor & Fire

59 West Spruce Street

Columbus, Ohio 43015

888-703-FIRE

When you walk into the North Market from the east side of the building, turn to your left at the first intersection and you will see CaJohn’s on the right.  They are a “salsa” company, a “hot sauce” company, or maybe a “dare-you-to-try-this” company.  CaJohn’s always has samples set out, usually 5-7 of their featured salsas, complete with a pretzel stick or tortilla chip to test them out.  The samples are set up in order from mild to wild, and I’m the one who always starts at the end, trying the hottest, craziest flavor first.  I love a rush!

CaJohn's Fiery Foods was started in 1996 by John Hard, a Fire Protection Engineer by day and Gulf Coast cuisine enthusiast by night.  John’s wife, Sue, just happened to have been raised on the coast of Mississippi. It was a match made in heaven, one which lead to the beautiful marriage of Southwestern and Gulf Coast flavors and birthed the joyous bundle we call “CaJohn’s”.  The flavor profile has expanded to include Asian and Caribbean as well as Southwestern and Cajun spices.  There are 150 children in the CaJohn’s family; Salsas, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, rubs, mixes, spice blends, and mustards make up the fabric of this spicy quilt.  Names, flavors and combinations have been inspired and created by John & Sue’s real-life children, and the entire family is involved in the company to this day.

CaJohn’s assigns levels to the heat of its products, ranging from Mild (1) to Stoopinfyin’ (XXX).  They have won numerous honors, including two 2010 Golden Chile awards.  Their factory is located in Westerville, and there is a store at this location as well.  For more information, visit their website here.

Overall Scores: (1-5, 1 being lowest, 5 highest)                    

Cleanliness: 5

Value: 5

Accessibility: 5

Friendliness: 5

Menu: n/a but the selection is unbelievable!