Foodpreneur

Foodpreneur:

Vicki Fraser

About the Foodpreneur:

My Nanny (Grandmother) taught me everything about old fashioned  canning and cooking, I had a change of life experience, deciding to follow my dreams and I attended culinary school, graduating as  outstanding culinary student.  I worked for many  who did not share my same ethical desire for excellence in restaurants and quality of food, so I decided to trust my instincts and do what I loved, creating recipes and canning those recipes, starting as gifts for friends & family & then venturing out as a business.  My Nanny, Mom & Dad have been my never ending dream team, giving me my strong roots and the desire to dream. " You are never given a dream without also being given the means to realize that dream"

About the Two Fat Chile Cats Biz:

People are becoming wise about their labels, they are caring about their ingredients, I love that!!  I make Natural Pepper Spreads & Soppin' Sauces (BBQ). I strive for flavors to dance on your palate & tongue, layers of many different flavors, with unique combinations to tempt everyone's taste buds. First in the ingredients, Peppers, garlic, pure cane  sugar. Our Pepper Spreads have less sugar than jams & jellies, our Soppin' Sauces are pureed at the last moment for natural thickness, never adding any preservatives, additives or anything artificial. I am proud to offer our products and proud of our ingredients." Life Is Short, Spread Smiles!"

Founded:

May 2004

Marketing Strategies:

Trade Shows,  Local Farmers Markets, sending off samples and filling in new vendor applications for large businesses  in the hopes of being accepted and in large stores. Just sent off products  to the NASFT so that I can start attending the largest retail shows for success. I am currently a marketing nightmare, I have  
limited funds and choose to spend budget on great ingredients.

In The News:

Chili Pepper Magazine, Debut show for Fiery Food Festival in Fort Worth Texas 2004

Vicki knew her business was a hit when:

My Mother's Ladies bridge group couldn't leave the Pepper Spreads alone & ordered mason jars of my products for Christmas gifts.  I sent off my products for a cooking contest & won 1st place in 2004 and have won ever since.

Words from the wise:

When someone wants the kind of heat that will pop their head off and render their tongue useless,  I respond with "I strive for many layers of flavor as apposed to uncomfortable heat without flavor"  I then gladly point that person in the direction of the booth rumored to blow heads off with a mere toothpick drop of hell heat venom, who by the way are making strange millions. I will be satisfied with my tasty penny deposit.

Why is Vicki in the food business?

I love to cook and I have never been satisfied working for anyone else. Somehow when working for others, your ethics are asked to be set aside, I cannot and will not sacrifice that for anyone.  With my own business I answer to my self and I respect that.  I know I will follow through & take pride in my products and my business. When customers try my products and I see their enjoyment, that is the best job ever!

Foodpreneur Says:

Vicki has hit it right on the nose when she is asked about the heat of the sauces.  She has decided not to compromise flavor for spice.  When consumers are at food shows they are often looking for that "I bet you can't handle the heat" level of spice.  While it is appealing for that hot second, it will not be spice that is appreciated on a regular basis.  To make a product a success over a broad range you will have to develop products that can appeal to a broad range.  The "too hot to handle" category already has plenty of novelty winners.  Vicki is focused on making a product used and enjoyed often.  Look out for those Two Fat Chile Cats!

Contacting Two Fat Chile Cats:

Two Fat Chile Cats Inc.
1035 Oak Forest Drive
Naples, FL 34104
239.784.2144
Website:  Two Fat Chile Cats