At the end of 2022 we asked the vendors of the Dallas Farmers Market to cast their vote for the friendliest and most helpful folks at the market. The vendors of our market stick together through thick and thin, giving one another a hand and supporting each other. But there are some who go above and beyond to create community and welcome everyone to take part with them! Ron and Greg of Klowns on Fire are the two individuals that stood out to our vendors, and were voted the first Dallas Farmers Market Vendors of the Year.
Klowns on Fire has been an adventure between two friends from the beginning. Ron and Greg were work colleagues for many years before a business trip to Trinidad and Tobago inspired them to meld the Caribbean flavors they experienced with traditional hot sauce. While the experimenting started as a hobby, they quickly received their first 100 bottle order and the idea was sparked that maybe they had something special on their hands. In June of 2017, Klowns on Fire entered into ZestFest – one of the largest spicy food competitions in the nation – and walked away as champions. To date, the Klowns have won 78 national awards, and it is safe to say the Klowns are definitely on Fire! As of 2023, Klowns on Fire hot sauce has been accepted into major retail outlets and continues to rack up national recognition. Each bottle of purchased of Klowns of Fire Hot Sauce also gives back to Veterans and the SPCA.
When asked about their favorite part of being the Klowns, Greg shared, “The biggest fun is just meeting all the people downtown.” Anytime you take a stroll through The Shed, you’re sure to see Klowns on Fire ready to welcome you and show you all that the Dallas Farmers Market as to offer. Be warned – Klowns on Fire has many amazing flavors so it can be difficult to choose just one, but the Passion of the Dragon + I Scream Klown (made for ice cream) are two of their favorites. You can also try Klown Fish everyday at Rex’s Seafood in The Market who carries the sauce as the perfect pairing for their fresh seafood dishes.
So what’s next for Klowns on Fire? Ron and Greg have their sights set on the Illinois Hot Sauce expo for their next competition, while continuing meeting the amazing people who come together for the love of food.
