Local Black-owned sauce brand expands into 500+ grocery store locations
Aug 19, 2024
Wingzza Mambo Sauce owner Larry Sawyne (right)
with his wife and daughter at a Food Lion in Charlotte.
Wingzza Mambo Sauce, which was founded in Charlotte in 2016, is now available in hundreds of Food Lion locations across North and South Carolina, owner Larry Swayne told QCity Metro.
The Black-owned brand launched in stores in mid-August and can be found in the Local Goods section of the grocer.
“We’re really excited about it,” Swayne said. “We can’t wait for people that already love us to add it to their grocery lists and people who’ve never had mambo sauce to give us a try.”
Mambo sauce is a type of condiment that originated in the Washington, D.C. area. Swayne, a native of Prince George County, Md., grew up eating the sauce and eventually developed his own recipe.
Much like barbecue or hot sauce, mambo sauce can vary in taste depending on the label or maker; some versions are spicy or tangy, while others are sweet. Wingzza’s flavor profile is on the sweeter side with tangy notes, he said.
Swayne began selling his mambo sauce in 2016 and has been steadily growing the brand in recent years. In October 2023, he celebrated
expanding the signature sauce to US CHEF’STORE locations across the Southeast region.
Now, Wingzza Mamba Sauce can be found on the shelves at 534 Food Lion locations, Swayne said. The sauce launched in the North Carolina-based grocer the week of Aug. 14.
After having to close his wings-focused food truck in 2016, Swayne said he felt defeated. For encouragement, his mother shared a verse from the Holy Bible with him, Romans 8:28.
“Everything that happens in your journey is working for your good,” he said about the scripture and his path in entrepreneurship. Swayne said he believes the food truck, his initial dream, existed to lead him to the sauce.
Wingzza Mambo Sauce owner Larry Swayne participated in the August 2024 Black-owned Marketplace with Qcity Metro and CLT Black Owned. August 2024.
This philosophy helped him stay focused and resilient during “tough times,” he said, ultimately leading to the reimagining of his business and his plan to focus on retail.
The scripture is also printed on each bottle of
Wingzza Mambo Sauce.
Swayne encouraged customers to check their local Food Lion location for sauce, which he said pairs well with “just about everything” but works best as a dipping sauce, topper or “finisher” for meats and fried foods.
“If you don’t see it, look for the tag or ask for the manager,” he said. “Tell them you want Wingzza Mambo Sauce, and we’ll make sure you get it.”
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