Finding the perfect bottle of hot sauce is a challenge that I’m always up for, and I find myself seeking out these delightfully zesty products whenever possible. When I came across Hank Sauce at the Ocean City Farmers Market this summer, I had to give it a try and purchased the Cilanktro variety. The verdict: pure perfection. I was eager to find out more about this Sea Isle City-based vendor, which has hot sauce lovers’ heads turning at a rapid rate.
Matt Pittaluga, co-owner of Hank Sauce, was kind enough to speak with me about his exceptional hot sauce company and restaurant, which has some pretty spectacular prospects coming up in the near future.
What started out as a college project at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, soon became the impetus for three college friends to pursue a professional venture that would change their lives dramatically, unexpectedly and fortuitously. Pittaluga, along with Brian “Hank” Ruxton and Josh Jaspan, decided to put this hot sauce-making machine into motion, with initial roles of Ruxton handling the sauce creation, Pittaluga producing the graphics and Jaspan handling the business operations. Needless to say, the end result is a match made in heaven.
Fast forward to Sea Isle City, post-graduation, and the wheels started turning, with Hank Sauce becoming a company in 2011 and the Hank Sauce restaurant opening up in the summer of 2012. They started out offering their original hot sauce and operating the restaurant certain days of the week during the summer months, but as the demand grew quickly for both products and menu offerings, the restaurant stayed open for business seven days a week during the summer. In addition, Hank Sauce items could soon be found at local farmers markets, festivals and online. Plus, more and more restaurants and shops began carrying their products and customers liked what they saw.
Today, production and desire for Hank Sauce products have continued to increase rapidly. Hank Sauce products currently available include Camouflage, Cilanktro, Hank’s Heat and Herb Infused hot sauces along with a high-in-demand dry rub, Hank’s Rub. Hank Sauce also offers special seasonal products from time to time, the current one being a honey habanero hot sauce.
Hank Sauce Restaurant, located at 8605 Landis Avenue in Sea Isle City, offers more than just your usual shore lunch fare. The kitchen at Hank Sauce rolls out a wide array of menu offerings, anywhere from an ahi tuna burrito roll to a unique pinchos item, the latter of which was discovered on a surfing trip to Puerto Rico. The pinchos can be created with a variety of meat items, such as chicken, shrimp, ahi tuna and scallop. Other popular menu choices include the Hank burger, baked Hank wings, lobster mac and cheese and much more. From Mother’s Day weekend until Labor Day weekend, you’ll find a good crowd filling the seats at Hank Sauce.
I was curious to discover how Hank Sauce differs from the competition. “Fresh ingredients and versatility,” stated Pittaluga. He also added that there was a cooking aspect with Hank Sauce, where the products can easily and successfully be included into a wide array of recipes. For those looking for some hints as to how to use their recent Hank Sauce purchase, you can find recipe ideas on the Hank Sauce website, which will be updated with new additions in the near future.
When asked what lies ahead for Hank Sauce, Pittaluga replied that they were actively searching for a new production location. Eventually, Hank Sauce will delve into creating more products and exploring new culinary genres while maintaining the quality that Hank Sauce fans have come to know and love.
Looking to add some Hank Sauce items to your pantry? Hank Sauce can be found in restaurants and stores throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and more. For West Chester-area residents, you can grab some Hank Sauce products at Carlino’s Market, BACO Juice and Taco Bar, Roots Cafe, America’s Pie and other spots. Check out their website for a complete listing. Hot sauce lovers can also grab all of their favorite Hank Sauce products, including Hank Sauce apparel, online.
By the end of our conversation, a few main points were readily apparent. First, Pittaluga and the team at Hank Sauce appreciate each and every customer who comes through the door of their restaurant, finds their way to their table at farmers markets and festivals and buys their items online. And, secondly, there are sure to be wonderful things on the horizon for this Sea Isle City food vendor.
Find Hank Sauce products online and at various store and restaurant locations, and visit their restaurant at 8605 Landis Avenue in Sea Isle City from Mother’s Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
- Cilanktro Hank Sauce photo: Kristen Kwiatkowski
- Additional photos: Matt Pittaluga
