started out as Smokie Robinsons Small Batch BBQ in 2016, in Lafayette Indiana where Jake Robinson took his passion for cooking and his hobby of backyard BBQ and grilling to the next level. In the beginning it was small catering events and local community outdoor events that propelled the business forward. The sauces and rubs started as simple classic recipes that evolved over time into a brand of their own. In February 2018 the doors were opened for business at Teays River Brewing and Public House where the menu featured Smokie Robinsons barbecue and helped it become more widely known. Regular customers were asking me for something hotter, so, that is when the product line expanded to include the hot sauce and Cajun Hellfire as well as the Jerk sauce and rub. The story of Smokey Robinsons Spice Company is also a romantic love story. Jake met Jen in June of 2018 at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival just six months after the opening of Teays River. At that time, Jen was the District Manager for a national corporate wing franchise in South Florida but lived in Lafayette for many years before moving to Florida. They are both the same age, and lived in the same town for many years, and even had many of the same friends; but somehow never met until that fateful festival in Manchester Tennessee. It was love at first sight, and the pair began a two-year long-distance relationship shortly after returning from the four-day event. Jen moved to Vero Beach Florida in search of more fulfilling employment, and to be closer to family in October of 2018. The Covid 19 pandemic hit in January of 2020 and caused things to become difficult for the love birds to travel back and forth to see each other, so Jake moved to Vero Beach in October of 2020 to be with his love and best friend. That is when Smokey Robinsons Spice Company was born. The two were engaged on March 3, 2022. Jen and Jake have over 40 years of combined experience in food service and hospitality. The two share the same passion for flavor, food, family, and fun, and set out to create a business and a brand that embodied all of them. The first phase of the business was the establishment of the online store where they could reach their customers across the country and eventually the world starting with the barbecue sauces, hot sauces, and rubs. The next step will be to have a physical store front where they will sell hand-selected fresh bulk spices from around the world, as well as their own signature seasoning blends. The store front will have a commercial kitchen where Jen and Jake will; develop new products, create new recipes and cookbooks, market and promote the various aspects of the business, and offer cooking demonstrations/classes from guest chefs using all their products, knowledge, and experiences. As well as vlog/blog about everything to keep the customers engaged and informed. So, when you buy Smokey Robinsons products you are supporting this dream and are a part of making it a reality.
