Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jim Lawlor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jim, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
Pickled Pink Foods was created back in or around late, late 2012 as co-founder Charlie Stephenson (who hates, and I mean hates Pickles) was having an old family recipe for sweet pickles made by his wife Candy for the holidays. Well Charlie decided to give one a try (against his will) and then wow! These are good…..he then stated that “If I like these pickles, and I normally hate pickles, maybe other people will too!” They come from a 100+ year old family recipes, and Charlie approached me (we had been in the restaurant world together in the past) and asked “how would you like to start a gourmet food company?”…..I said yes, and Charlie’s wife Candy came up with the company name Pickled Pink as a play on the catch phrase “Tickled Pink”…..we’ve since trademarked Pickled Pink and as well while at trade shows, or demo’s, have our signature pink shirts w/ white aprons (or white shirts w/ pink aprons)….you can’t miss us and most folks remember us and the name for sure!
Jim, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Pickled Pink Foods is a gourmet food company based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Formed by friends and business partners Charlie Stephenson and Jim Lawlor, who spent many years in the restaurant business both in operations, and as owners. They have always had a passion for food, people, and most importantly, fun…….
Over the years Charlie’s wife would have these old family recipe pickles made for the holiday’s over in Huntsville, Alabama, and ironically Charlie himself HATES pickles. He did though love these and thought: “if I like these pickles, and I really don’t like any other pickles, then maybe some one else would enjoy them too”…..During the Christmas season of 2012, Charlie and Jim began to discuss the beginnings of their food company venture.
We formulated the recipe, produced some jars, and sent them off for “testing” to the former head of the Southern Living Magazine Test Kitchen (an acquaintance of ours)…..”They’re Southern, Old Fashioned, and there is not a lot out there on the market like ‘em…..” That was enough of a vote of confidence, and in the Spring of 2013, Pickled Pink Foods LLC (named by Charlies wife) was formed and the fun began. That July of 2013, we presented at the Atlanta International Home and Gift Show, sold to almost 100 new stores and clients in 19 states, and we were off and running.
In 2014 we introduced our Sweet Heat Jalapeno and Spiced Watermelon Pickle, and in the summer of 2015 began selling our Gourmet Jalapeno Pickle. 2016 saw the introduction of our “Smokin’ Okra” in March, in Q4 2016, we launched into retail our Perfectly Pickled Peaches, and Vidalia Onion & Peach Relish (taking advantage of the Peach harvest here in the South!). A Spicy Pickled Green Bean, and a Garlic Dill Pickle is on the horizon as we move through 2017, and into 2018. Giving choices and an assortment for all our retailers is key for us as we move forward. The fun, excitement and passion never ends for us at Pickled Pink! Our family recipe book is full of lots of great items that we can’t wait to share with everyone……..
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Be positive….you can’t show anyone on the team that times are tough, as they will follow your lead….you can’t deceive them, but a positive and joyful attitude will go a long way….I learned that from my days as a restaurant operator for some 15 years.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I met Charlie while working as a General Manager of a restaurant in the N. Atlanta area. He was the majority owner, and from day 1, we just clicked in our conversations. He then asked me “What do you think about starting a food company, and getting out of the restaurant business?”…..well the thought of no more consistent Friday/Saturday and Sunday evening work (although there are still weekend work in this business, just not consistent) was certainly appealing to the ears to say the least. The rest is Pickled Pink lore…..
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pickledpinkfoods.com
- Instagram: pickledpink
- Facebook: pickledpinkfoods
- Twitter: pickled_pink