Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.
Hungry? How about pig-flavored mayo or pop-corn? Meet the Valley men infusing your favorite food with bacon.
Justin Esch was at a wedding when he came up with his million-dollar idea. He was chatting with his brother over the black-tie dinner about his all-time favorite food, bacon. That's when he wished aloud everything tasted like the porky product, and the table agreed--bacon seasoning would be quite a hit.So the single Scottsdale dad did his due diligence, googling whether such a product existed. When he didn't find much, he reached out to his former Seattle colleague, Dave, who gave the idea two thumbs up.
"The truth is, everything should taste like bacon," said Justin Esch, self-proclaimed Bacontrepreneur.
Justin and Dave quickly became a dynamic duo. Over midnight at-home cocktails, the guys registered their bacon-salt domain, and so began their path down savory success.
"Dave's 3-year old son scored us our initial financing winning $5,000 on 'America's Funniest Home Videos,'" said Esch.
They launched J&D Foods, their Washington-based manufacturing company and things instantly took off.
First to hit store shelves, was bacon salt, now offered in 7 different flavors. That was soon followed by an array of bacon products.
"We offer bacon gravy, bacon pop-corn, bacon-flavored envelopes, lip balm, and mayonaise. My favorite is the bacon dry rub."
And get this--you can snack on these bacon bites guilt-free. All their products are vegetarian and kosher, and boast quite an impressive food label. Apparently, it's time to bid farewell to the original fatty breakfast food.
"Actually, our stuff has low sodium, no calories, no fat, and no carbohydrates."
And Justin's creation is attracting celebrity attention.
The guys have been featured on "Oprah," "Good Morning America," FOX, CNN, and a number of local televsion stations. They're also regular guests on Food Network TV shows.
"I never thought this would be my life, but I'm really happy for it. It continues to be a wild and crazy ride."
Their bacon salt is also on every Denny's table, and the products are sold at a number of grocery stores. And if you're a lovely lady so head-over-heels about their tasty treats, consider adding Justin on Facebook.
"Of course I want someone nice and pretty, but the most important thing is that she's supportive and belueves in me. Plus, she must make a mean sandwich."
Oh, the key to a man's heart is through his stomach--or is it the other way around?
Well, I suppose Justin obviously has the resume to spoil his future bride with bacon galore.
For more information, visit: http://www.jdfoods.net
