New condiment created by Chattanooga local reaches national market
Slawsa is "cool and crisp with a kick"
A unique relish started by a Chattanooga local has begun to receive national attention and is now being sold in major retailers across the country.
Slawsa, a relish-inspired blend of slaw and salsa, was a family recipe that local electrician Judson Odom has been producing for local restaurants and vendors for years. Recently, Odom and his business partner, Julie Busha, expanded the product's availability to the national market.
Eight months ago, Slawsa was sold in less than 200 stores, Busha said. Now, however, Slawsa is available in more than 1,700 grocery stores and concession stands across the United States, a number that Busha said should more than double over the next year.
The quick success of the product can be attributed to the taste and quality of the product as well as the affordable cost, Busha said.
“I know when it sits on the shelf and people look at it, they might not know what to make of it … but we've just got to get people to try it once,” she said.
Recently, the Miami Marlins asked for a sample of the product after hearing about it, and a new chorizo and Slawsa signature hot dog may be offered in concession stands next season.
The condiment is already offered on the menu for Vanderbilt University's concessions and at the Tennessee Aquarium's store.
"Right now, we are snowballing," Busha said. "We are at the top of the mountain, and we are just starting to gain a little speed."
For more information on Slawsa and where to find it locally, visit the product's website.
For a food blogger's review of Slawsa, go here.
