Grandfather's Salsa is 'Smokey Sweet' Success
The Dallas Morning News - Dawn Redig
Each year, top culinary experts sample hundreds of the world’s most lauded fiery foods, honoring the best-tasting products with a coveted Scovie Award.
Rockwall-based Hazelwood’s Foods, owned by Gary Hazelwood of Chandlers Landing, earned the 2010 bronze medal in the specialty salsa category.
“Our 2010 winners represent some of the largest companies in the industry,such as Pace Foods, Buffalo Wild Wings and Garden Fresh Salsa, as well as start-up companies. The common factor is their commitment to excellence and the real quality of the products they produce,” said Dave DeWitt, creator of the award.
DeWitt is the founder of the National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show, where Hazelwood entered his signature product in a competition last July. That’s when Hazelwood began manufacturing his line of salsas and barbecue sauce in Rockwall.
“My business is expanding on a daily basis as more people try my products and become repeat customers,” Hazelwood said. “People from Rockwall are enthusiastic about supporting local businesses and I appreciate every person who has purchased my products and recommended them to their friends.”
The Scovie Award is named for Wilbur Scoville, who pioneered a rating scale for spicy foods. Hazelwood’s salsa is now among the “cream of the crop in fiery foods products,” according to DeWitt.
Hazelwood’s products are manufactured in Rockwall, Texas. Call 214-793-7810 or visit HazelwoodsFoods.com for a list of retail locations carrying his products.
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR
Alma Mater: BA from Dallas Baptist University; MBA from University of Phoenix
Occupation: After 30 years of working in the construction supply industry, Hazelwood can now be found promoting his food products at local grocery stores or Farmers Market – or in the Pro Shop at Buffalo Creek Golf Course where he works part-time. “The thing I like most about my salsa business is getting to meet many of the nice people who buy my products. I am very grateful to John Pierce, manager of the Rockwall Kroger. He was my first major customer and was willing to give my products a shot.”
Family: Gary and his wife, Cheri, a registered nurse, share their Chandlers Landing home with their English Springer Spaniel, Sparky. Together they have three children and three grandchildren.
Passion: Gary’s passion is for his family; he loves spending time with his grandkids. “If my wife and I had known that grandchildren were so much fun, we would have had them first!”
Hobbies: Golf tops Gary’s list. “I love golf and I love being around other golfers. I think that golfers are some of the finest people I have ever met.” Hazelwood even offers Hole-in-One and Double Eagle salsas.
Other achievements: After high school, Gary joined the Air Force and was deployed to Germany and later to Vietnam, where he earned the Commendation Medal. He also sang with the world champion Vocal Majority Men’s Chorus.
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