Our Story

  "Smokey Robinson's Spice Co. traces its roots back to 2016 when it was known as 'Smokie Robinson's Small Batch BBQ.' Founded by Jake Robinson in Lafayette, Indiana, the journey began with Jake's deep-seated passion for cooking and his love for backyard BBQ and grilling.

In its infancy, the venture was modest, catering to local events and community gatherings, steadily gaining momentum. The original sauces and rubs were born from simple, time-tested recipes, gradually evolving into a distinct brand of their own.

A significant turning point occurred in February 2018 when the doors of 'Teays River Brewing and Public House' were opened for business. Here, the menu proudly featured Smokie Robinson's barbecue creations, casting a broader spotlight on the brand.

"The narrative of Smokey Robinson's Spice Company reads like a romantic love story. In June of 2018, amidst the vibrant beats and melodies of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, a serendipitous encounter took place. Jake, who had embarked on a culinary journey with the opening of Teays River Brewing and Public House only six months prior, crossed paths with Jen. The Teays River venture had been a remarkable accomplishment, as they had successfully opened the establishment just a few months after meeting for the first time, surpassing their collective goals. As a gesture of appreciation and celebration, the owners of Teays River gifted Jake with a trip to Bonnaroo, and invited Jen who was a partner of theirs from another business venture. "

At the time, Jen was serving as the District Manager for a national corporate wing franchise in South Florida. Interestingly, both Jake and Jen shared roots in Lafayette for many years before their separate paths led them to different corners of the country. They discovered that their lives had been running parallel all along, with shared friends and a shared hometown.

It was at Bonnaroo that destiny intervened, and love ignited between them, a spark that would grow into a two-year long-distance relationship after the festival's four-day revelry. In October of 2018, Jen moved to Vero Beach, Florida, to be closer to her 93-year-old grandmother.

Their love story took an unforeseen turn with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020, making it challenging for them to travel back and forth. In response to the uncertain times, Jake relocated to Vero Beach in October 2020 to be with Jen, and it was during this time that the dream of Smokey Robinson's Spice Company was born.

Together, with over 40 years of combined experience in the food service and hospitality industry, they embarked on a shared vision. Fuelled by a shared passion for flavor, food, family, and fun, they set out to create a business and a brand that embodies all these values.

Their journey reached a beautiful milestone with their engagement on March 3, 2022, marking the start of the next chapter in their lives.

The inception of the business began with the establishment of an online store, allowing them to connect with customers not just across the country, but with aspirations to reach the world. Their initial offerings included a delightful array of barbecue sauces, hot sauces, and rubs.

The next phase is to establish a physical store where they will sell hand-selected, fresh bulk spices sourced from around the world, along with their own signature seasoning blends. This store will be more than just a retail space; it will house a commercial kitchen where Jen and Jake will continue to innovate, developing new products and creating recipes and cookbooks.

Their vision extends beyond the store's walls, as they plan to host cooking demonstrations and classes conducted by guest chefs, using their products, knowledge, and experiences to enrich culinary skills. They will also engage with their community through vlogs and blogs to keep customers informed and inspired.

When you purchase Smokey Robinson's products, you're not just acquiring flavors; you're supporting a dream and becoming an integral part of its realization. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and may it be blessed with culinary delights and shared moments."