.jpg)
Who are you and what do you do? My name is Bernie, and I make gourmet Salsas and Hot Sauces. Double Take is a super small family owned and run business that focuses on making premium salsas and sauces that are truly unlike anything on the market today.
How did you get started in your business?I got started by growing tomatoes and habaneros in my back yard. One summer I had way too many tomatoes, so instead of throwing them out, I decided to make some salsa and bring it into the office. The tradition started…. And 7 years later, I finally quit my fulltime job. It was scary but the best thing I have done.
Is this a full-time business for you? I have been making and selling salsas full time since Oct 2016. Kinda crazy!
Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it? Ha, well, next to pricing our name was probably the hardest thing to do. I sat around a table with my wife and another couple in a restaurant and white boarded names. At the very end…. While walking to the car, my wife says “what about DOUBLE TAKE?” I was like…. Hmmmm I like it. Lets sleep on it.
What do your customers love most about your product(s)? I will never get sick of people saying to me “Wow” or “OH GOD that’s good”. People do a ‘double take’ on the intense and beautifully crafted flavors that we created in all our products. The flavor combinations are unmatched. I also think people really appreciate the clean ingredients we use to make our food.
What is your favorite item that you sell? Wow…. Probably the Aces & 8s corn salsa. Or the cilantro Avocado hot sauce. There is NOTHING like either of these, and they are SO delicious.
What has been your favorite moment since creating your business? Hands down, the best memory ever was The first time I saw my salsas and hot sauces on the shelves of a grocery store (Linden Hills Co-op). I literally started crying…. IN THE AISLE. Now we have expanded throughout the Midwest in retailers and grocers like Target and Hy-Vee.
How does the city you live in influence your work? Our city loves local, we also have a great enjoyment for good food. It works well.
Have you had any major failures? If so, what were some important insights gained? There is constant learning in this industry, in all industries. If you are going to change, grow and push forward, you will not do things perfectly all of the time. One big hassle was getting the wrong barcodes for the labels initially.
What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your business? Probably just having the right people around me. My wife and I both also have a great grip on business. In a weird way we are very opposite which helps a lot.
What is the latest thing you have been working on? We have been working on a new hot sauce to submit to Hot Ones, we are the only hot sauce company to make hot ones from the 5-state region.
How do you usually prepare for the holiday season? A lot of smiling, resting, cooking, and reflecting on what’s important.
Will you be featuring any special holiday items? We will have all of our gift boxes. We feature these during the holiday season for individuals but more specifically for corporate gifting. We have Salsa, hot sauce, marinades, and a combination box.