Monroe Small Business Spotlight: The Angry Pepper

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: The Angry Pepper
Owners: Owen Callahan
Website: http://www.theangrypepper.net/
Address: 590 Main Street (RT 25) Monroe, CT.

How did you come up with the name?

The Slightly Perturbed Pepper seemed a bit long.

Why start a business in this town?

Rent is reasonable and is the area is nice with easy access to major roads/highway.

What business are you in?

We’re a retail shop that specializes in hot sauces, BBQ sauces, rubs ‘n such.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Cleaning up after some kid spilled a bottle of VERY hot hot sauce. Had to close the store for a few hours until things got cleaned up. You couldn’t even breathe, eyes were watering, coughing. It was pretty bad.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

Having a fella who said he could handle any amount of heat try our “Challenge Sauce.” I still send him a Christmas card at the ICU every year.

How does your business give back to the community?

We always help support the local school sport teams and functions as well as give to the various local police endeavors.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.