| Ingredients
Proceeds from the sale of the Gridiron Gourmet BBQ Sauce and Charlie Sanders' book "Tales From the Detroit Lions" will be donated to the Family2Family Foundation. The Family2Family Foundation assists those who have
been impacted by the recent hurricanes and other local Michigan
residents in need. |
 All-Pro tight-end Charlie
Sanders, who dazzled the crowds with breathtaking football catches, has
mastered a different type of "Gridiron" meant to make you lick your
lips. In his time, 1968 to 1977, Sanders dominated the playing field,
being asked to the Pro Bowl seven of his 10 years in the National
Football League.Until recently only Sanders' family, friends, teammates and colleagues have been able to enjoy the delicious taste of Charlie's special blend of sauce smothered on chicken or ribs which have been barbecued to perfection. But now "Charlie Sanders' Gridiron Gourmet Barbecue Sauce" is available for sale in stores throughout Michigan. Sanders described his sauce as more than just a barbecue sauce but, "an all-purpose sauce that can and has been used on everything from the finest piece of meat, fish or poultry down to potato chips and french fries." Once joining the Lions coaching staff in 1989, Sanders was elected to barbecue during cookouts held by the Lions organization. After Lions players and fellow coaches tried the sauce, they were hooked, according to Sanders. As a result, those who tasted Sanders' sauce requested he make large amounts for their personal use. It all began about 25 years ago, when Sanders would barbecue with his father-in-Law, Lyman Myers . According to Sanders, his father-in-law's recipe was good, but they kept modifying it and testing it throughout the years. Finally in 1990, after being approached at a cookout by someone interested in investing in the sauce, Sanders became serious about marketing and selling his creation. Shortly after the Lions completed their division championship season in 1991, in remembrance of his father-in-law who had recently passed away, Sanders decided to have 50 cases bottled and locally distributed. The rest, as they say, is history. Sanders has now expanded the line from just the original sauce to add a spicy version. The NFL has given approval for the use of their logo, and Gridiron Barbecue Sauce is available at Detroit Lions' souvenir stands as well. The next step is to distribute the sauce nationwide, a goal Sanders feels will happen within the next year. And after that, what are Sanders' plans? "Right now, I'm having fun with this, " he says. Former Lions head coach Wayne Fontes gives his assessment of Sanders' product willingly: "It (Gridiron) definitely has a different taste, one that leaves a 'bite' in your mouth. It's good..it makes you feel good when it hits your taste buds." Gridiron Barbecue Sauce has become so popular in the Michigan area that many restaurants & hospitals have begun using it on a regular basis. Within the Pontiac-Rochester areas, the players of the Detroit Lions have officially adopted it as their sauce. Players continually place their personal orders while the season is ongoing and on many occasions have had Gridiron shipped as far as California during the off season. |