Have we got a story, man.
1969
Omar’s birthday. Grew up in Los Angeles and spent a lot of time in the south. Received a basketball scholarship and earned his BS in Administration of Justice. Moved to Oregon in 1992.1970
Kevin’s birthday. Grew up in the Yellowhammer State, also known as Alabama. Joined the Air Force Reserves at age 19. Transferred to Portland in 1993.1971-1989
The Brothers grow up on opposite coasts.1990s
Kevin worked for Veteran’s Affairs in procurement. Omar worked as a counselor in the juvenile justice system and later worked at a Portland-area community college. Both men served as church group leaders, encouraging men to follow Christ, and Iron Sharpens Iron.1999
Omar and Kevin met at church and became soul brothers. They were roommates for five years and welcomed Kevin’s mom for extended visits, ensuring the guys were well fed. It didn’t take long for friends to beat a well-worn path to their door for some authentic southern BBQ!2004
Omar married Lisa and four years later, the first of his three children were born.2010
After 21 years in the Air Force Reserves, Kevin enters civilian life and moves back to Alabama.2015
After years of talking about it and planning, Omar and Kevin start their own BBQ sauce company. On July 1, American Soul Brothers was born.May 10, 2016
Their first bottle of Soul Good Original BBQ Sauce rolls off the line.2016
Their banner year continues when their sauces hit the shelves in a Fred Meyer store in Portland. A few months later, they’re picked up by independent grocery stores in Portland and Vancouver, Washington. They’re off and running!2017
American Soul Brothers BBQ sauces are in 50 Fred Meyers stores and a growing number of independent stores. Their sauces are also available in School Districts and Compass Group/Foodbuy.2020
Financial contraints due to COVID-19 slowed their roll, but not for long. The retail line was relaunched at the end of the year.What's Ahead
New co-packers: Braswell’s in GA & Annarino in OH. Addition of military broker. More stores & Food Service accounts. More sauce flavors low in sodium and sugar. More to give back.What’s their story?
The Brothers have a recipe for success that’s not your typical business plan. The guys value relationships over transactions in all aspects of business. They treat others as they want to be treated themselves, person to person, friend to friend. Making the world a better and more delicious place—one relationship and one bottle at a time.