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The product: Frankfort-based Shoup’s Country Foods has been making its original sweet and spicy barbecue sauce in Indiana since 1989 and has since added flavors Carolina Gold, Sugar Free and Teriyaki Glaze. The original barbecue sauce is sold in 19-ounce bottles and in half-gallon and gallon containers for food services.
History: The origins of Shoup’s Country Foods Inc. date to 1973, when Tom and Carol Shoup created a special blend of seasonings to put on the pork chops (now known as Shoup’s Seasoning) they served at church dinners and county fairs. In 1978, the couple bought a small meat-processing plant in Frankfort and opened a store at the location to sell meat and seasonings. Eventually, they left the slaughtering business to concentrate on retail sales. They started their catering division in 1985. The company began selling its first branded signature products in the mid-1990s through grocery chains and on QVC. The company has about 15 full-time employees and as many as 150 part-time workers.
Family legacy: Tom Shoup died in 2009, but the company continues to be led by Carol and their three daughters: Cindy Shoup Cacy is director of catering and events. Amy Shoup Mennen is director of operations for Shoup’s Country Foods, and Cheri Shoup Jones is director of Shoup’s Signature Products.
Multifaceted business: In addition to its products division, which produces premium meats, sauces and seasonings, Shoup’s has two other divisions. Its catering and events division offers off-premises catering and operates a private venue called Arborwood and the On the Rocks Mobile Bar Service. Its retail and mail order division operates a store in Frankfort at 2048 S. State Road 39 and ships to all 50 states.
Other products: In addition to its sauces, Shoup’s sells frozen pork burgers, pulled pork, seasoned pork roasts and pre-cooked ribs. It also sells its original seasoning, steak seasoning, seasoned popcorn, bacon jam, gift boxes and apparel.
Where to get it: In addition to Shoup’s physical store in Frankfort and its online store, products are available at many specialty stores and Kroger groceries.
Website: www.shoupscountry.com
—Compiled by Jeff Newman
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