Meet Brian Offord of Southern Savor in Mckinney

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Offord.

Brian, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up in Opelousas, Louisiana eating and cooking creole cuisine was a family tradition. I watched my Grandmother cook several dishes but not limited to, gumbo, red bean, and rice, smothered okra and homemade sausage. We used smoked sausage in many creole meals because it is a key ingredient and flavoring source. I’ve always had a passion for cooking, but after moving to Dallas, I noticed I couldn’t find items to cook my favorite meals with at the local grocery stores. What I found most challenging was finding the right sausage for gumbo, red beans, and other creole dishes. I would drive back to Opelousas or have friends bring back smoked sausage from the local meat market.

Years ago, I took a trip back home and asked my cousin to give me a lesson on creating the perfect Louisiana smoked sausage. It’s a family technique that was passed down to me. For the last six years, I have mastered the art of smoking homemade sausage. Today we have shared our sausage with customers all over the country, from California to Pennsylvania. Beyond the regular smoked spicy sausage, we now include Jalapeno Cheddar and Jalapeno. Today, Southern Savor is known for the best homemade sausage but also creates smoked Tasso, gumbo, red beans, and other creole dishes.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Creating Southern Savor has not always been a smooth process. My wife and I both work full-time corporate jobs. We stuff and smoke 100 plus pounds of sausage a month. Making homemade sausage is very labor intensive because it involves several steps. The smoke process is also challenging at times. Maintaining the right temperature of the smoker is key which has been a trial and error. We’ve learned how to keep track of orders and maintain a good system in order to provide customers with their orders on a biweekly basis. As the business grew, we had to upgrade our smoker in order to keep up with the demand. Our business has kept us very busy, but we are truly blessed with the support we receive.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Southern Savor story. Tell us more about the business.
Southern Savor is a bold flavor experience, that specializes in homemade smoked sausage, but not limited to gumbo, red beans, and other creole dishes. During the holidays we get special request to make gumbo for customers.

As a company, I am most proud of the growth within the last year. Most of our orders are from repeat customers who buy from us every month, then we have new customers who were referred to us by word of mouth. The fact that there are other sausage brands on the market, and people order from us is a great feeling. We take orders a month in advance and usually fill all orders within 24 hours. We have sold out of sausage ever since we established Southern Savor. That is a huge accomplishment.

Our sausage has a unique flavor. The spices we use is like no other on the market. The low and slow smoke process allows the sausage to maintain the unique flavor. Our sausage has no fillers or binders. Many of our customers refuse to buy store bought sausage again.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have a strong faith in God and the gift of cooking he instilled in me. God has been a driving force in my life, family, and business, which I pray daily about. I don’t believe luck had anything to do with my success. All glory to God.

Pricing:

• Sausage is $7 a pound

Contact Info:

• Email: SouthernSavor@yahoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southern_savor/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/groups/1990803811000638/?ref=group_browse

Image Credit:
Candace Garland

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