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From Kitchen Experiments to 60+ Stores: Big Dog Sauce on BizCast NH

Episode: BizCast NH – Featuring Dan & Phyllis Lloyd of Big Dog Sauce Company


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A Flavor-Fueled Journey

In this episode of BizCast NH, hosts Matt Maury and Christine Carrigan sit down with Dan and Phyllis Lloyd, the husband-and-wife team behind Big Dog Sauce Company. Known for their all-natural, small-batch barbecue sauces, the Lloyds share how a kitchen hobby turned into one of New Hampshire’s fastest-growing specialty food brands — and one of Business NH Magazine’s 2025 Startup Stars.


From experimenting with flavors in Denver to opening their first brick-and-mortar store in Hillsborough, NH, Dan and Phyllis have built a business rooted in passion, quality, and community.


Highlights from the Conversation

  • The Origins – What started as three original flavors — Mango Habanero, Dark Cherry Bourbon, and Maple — was intended as a small side hustle at local farmers markets.

  • The Hardest Hurdle – Navigating food safety regulations, university lab approvals, and finding the right co-packer to scale recipes while preserving flavor.

  • Grassroots Growth – Pounding the pavement, offering samples, and building word-of-mouth buzz at craft fairs and expos.

  • Opening a Store – The Hillsborough shop not only showcases Big Dog Sauce but also features other New England small business products, from meats to cutting boards.

  • 60+ Stores and Counting – Distribution now stretches from Washington, D.C. to Buffalo, NY, with 75% of retail placements coming from customer referrals.


Words from the Founders

“There’s no playbook. You figure it out with research, trial and error, and surrounding yourself with people who support your vision.” – Dan Lloyd
“If you can’t find the flavor you want, make it. We want people to enjoy sauce without the junk you find on most labels.” – Phyllis Lloyd

Community and Giving Back

The Lloyds have a strong philanthropic focus, supporting local high school DECA programs, animal rescues, and other community causes.They believe that building a brand is about building relationships, not just selling products.


Shop the Sauces Making Headlines


Bring award-winning, all-natural BBQ flavor to your table.➡️ Shop Big Dog Sauce

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