STAG’s: Sauces, seasonings, catering and more

STAG’s: Sauces, seasonings, catering and more by Summer Stevens

Summer Stevens photo

STAG’s Sauce Co. & Catering owner Andrew Stagikas and son Demetri o er a wide assortment of BBQ sauce, hot sauce, jellies and rubs.

Five years ago, Andrew Stagikas grew some hot pepper plants in his garden in Elizabeth City and started making hot sauce. His mom brought some bottles up to members of the Coast Guard in Portsmouth and “they loved it,” he recalled. “So we decided to give that a go.”

From hot sauce he moved on to experimenting with barbecue sauce and before long, he created STAG’s Sauce Co and Catering, adding to the mix handcrafted gourmet wing sauces, pepper jellies, pepper vinegars and BBQ rubs and seasonings, as well as a catering company that offers smoked pork and chicken using their own products and seasonings. He combined his many years in the corporate restaurant management industry with his interest in being a part of his local community. He sells at farmers markets across the Outer Banks, in Edenton, Elizabeth City and at festivals and events.

“For us, it’s always a change of scenery, relationships with the customers. You make friends along the way,” he said.

Stagikas is clear that it’s a family operated business. He has significant support from his 19-year-old son Demetri and his mother, who makes all of the jellies, cowboy candies and seasonings and does all the accounting.

Everything is homemade and, as much as possible, Stagikas uses local or homegrown herbs and vegetables. On his small homestead, he grows his own hot peppers, greens, collards, kale and radishes. “It’s really important to me to use fresh, local ingredients. You can tell the difference in quality,” he said. Though it’s not practical for everything, “when you can, do raw, do fresh.”

That commitment to quality and flavor has resulted in a loyal fan base that has made him popular at markets and boutique stores. “I’ve got customers that will come over [to the market] and buy us out of every jar of Cowboy Candy we brought,” he said of his unique blend of spicy and sweet sliced jalapenos.

Another customer favorite is Cranberry Jalapeno Pepper Jelly, and Stagikas’ personal favorite – Smoky Apple Barbeque Sauce. “It’s one of my babies,” he said. At any time, they have about 10 different BBQ sauces, and between seven and 12 hot sauces depending on what’s in season.

The business has won awards for their famous macaroni and cheese offered on the catering side of the business. The next challenge for Stakigas is a food truck, which is in the works now and should be operable this summer. And through it all, Stakigas is grateful.

“When we first started out, we just offered a few sauces. We were getting excited to make $140 that first Saturday – to now having a food truck. It’s nice to have that support from our community. Without help and support we wouldn’t be where we are,” he said.

The food truck is called Stags Soulshine Kitchen Revival, named in memory of a dear friend whose life was lost to suicide. “We

were big Allman Brothers fans. To me, it’s very personal, this truck,” he said. Stagikas donates to suicide prevention charities and one day hopes to help support recovery houses on the Outer Banks.

“I’m open about being in recovery. [The business] occupies my time, gives me something to focus on . . . I’ve come from rock bottom, the lowest point of life. I can offer hope to people who are struggling with addiction or alcoholism. Hopefully this can help people see that, hey, ‘we can do this.’”

For Stagikas, the connection with his community is what fuels his passion and makes it all worth it. “It’s a celebration of agriculture, it’s a celebration of life. I saw a side of our community – fishing, cooking, agriculture – that I hadn’t before. We’re all in it together. It’s a feeling of unity. With the markets, the artisans or the other food vendors . . . I love to see what other people are passionate about.”

And if there are setbacks? Stagikas isn’t worried. “We don’t look at hindrances or roadblocks. We’ll get there, that’s how we roll.”

To connect with STAG’s Sauce Co and Catering, or Stags Soulshine Kitchen Revival, visit them on Facebook or email dstagikas@gmail.com. 

Cas e Vi as

BluffShoalMotel

O cracokeIsland, NC • OPENALLYEAR