Case Study: Fatback's Famous BBQ Sauce grows from local market sales to grocery store shelves with SCORE Mentors Berks and Schuylkill Cty

Fatback's Famous BBQ Sauce - Customer Case Study

Fatback's Famous BBQ Sauce LLC, owned by Howard Mitchell Jr. in Youngstown, Ohio, needed guidance to turn a promising homemade barbecue sauce into a compliant, market-ready business. SCORE Mentors Berks and Schuylkill Cty supported Mitchell as he worked through business planning, regulations, and early marketing challenges while preparing to launch and grow the product.

With help from SCORE Mentors Berks and Schuylkill Cty, Mitchell received mentoring on FDA inspection requirements, marketing, and retail placement, and the sauce was introduced to a restaurant account and broader local visibility. The results included over 1,000 bottles sold, distribution in 10 local grocery stores and two restaurants, a “Watch Me Grow” award, and media coverage in The Review.

Fatback's Famous BBQ Sauce

Howard Mitchell

Owner