The History of EagleWingz
Discover the history of EagleWingz hot sauce, proudly crafted by Delaware Sauce Company in Seaford, Delaware since 2010.
The EagleWingz Story
Serving amazing flavors across Delmarva since 2010
Delaware Sauce Company is proud to be the only true craft hot sauce maker in Delaware. Our journey began way back in 1988 with the creation of our flagship EagleWingz Brand Hot Sauce, an original flavor developed by Delmarva native Rick Ewing. What started as a spontaneous culinary experiment during a vacation with friends, quickly turned into a local sensation. Rick’s unique blend of ingredients, which he perfected in just about 20 minutes, has remained largely unchanged, preserving its authentic and beloved flavor.
Sauce for the masses (locally)
Rick’s hot sauce quickly garnered a devoted following among family and friends, who encouraged him to bottle and sell his creation. Over the next few years, EagleWingz Hot Sauce could be found in a handful of local restaurants, including Rick’s RC Ribs, where it became a customer favorite.
In 2010, Rick made the decision to share his sauce with a broader audience. He opened a storefront in Seaford, DE, launched a website, and began selling his hot sauce to the masses. Since then, EagleWingz Brand has sold thousands of bottles, becoming a favorite across Delmarva and earning numerous awards along the way.
Bringing Home Awards
Award winning flavors are born!
Our commitment to quality and flavor has earned us numerous accolades over the years. In 2014, EagleWingz was honored with the Best of Delaware Award for Sauces. Our flagship Chesapeake Brand Sauce placed 3rd in the World Hot Sauce Awards in Louisiana in 2016, and the Sauce Shack Redemption Sauce secured another 3rd place in 2017. That same year, our Pineapple Teriyaki flavor won 1st place at the New York City Hot Sauce Expo for fruit-based hot sauce. Most recently, in 2023, our Apple Bourbon flavor not only won 1st place in the fruit-based hot sauce category but also took home the overall Grand World Champion title at the New York City Hot Sauce Expo.
Our Milestones
- 1988: Rick Ewing develops the original EagleWingz Hot Sauce during a vacation with friends.
- 1988-2010: The sauce is made exclusively for special events, parties, and football games.
- 2010: Rick starts bottling and selling EagleWingz Hot Sauce.
- June 2012: The Delaware Sauce Company opens its brick-and-mortar store at 639 N. Phillips St. in Seaford, DE.
- 2013: EagleWingz wins the Best of Delaware Award for Sauces.
- 2014: EagleWingz is awarded the Best of Delaware Award again.
- 2015: The company purchases its brick-and-mortar location at 639 N. Phillips St.
- 2016: The Chesapeake original flavor wins 3rd place at the World Hot Sauce Awards in Lafayette, Louisiana.
- 2017: The Sauce Shack Redemption flavor wins 3rd place at the World Hot Sauce Awards in Lafayette, Louisiana.
- 2017: The Pineapple Teriyaki flavor wins 1st place at the New York City Hot Sauce Expo for fruit-based hot sauce.
- 2023: The Apple Bourbon flavor wins 1st place in the fruit-based hot sauce category and the overall Grand World Champion at the New York City Hot Sauce Expo.
- 2023: At the International Flavor Awards in Madison, Wisconsin, the Apple Bourbon flavor and Bacon Me Crazy both receive awards.
Where We Are Today
Today, Rick’s original EagleWingz Hot Sauce and a variety of other flavors can be found throughout the Eastern Shore. From our Delaware Sauce Company store at 639 N. Phillips St. in Seaford, DE, to numerous restaurants and retail shops across the shore, our sauces are widely enjoyed. Thanks to our successful Private Label Hot Sauce program, you might not recognize our bottles everywhere you go, but the amazing taste is unmistakable.
We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support from our loyal customers over the years. Stay tuned, because we are just getting started!
Rick Ewing
CEO/Founder
Rick Ewing, a proud Delmarva native, is the creative force behind the EagleWingz brand of hot sauce and the founder of the Delaware Sauce Company. Rick began crafting his original hot sauce for friends and family in the 1980s, but it wasn't until 2010 that he trademarked the recipe and started bottling it for a wider audience. Since then, our hot sauces have gained widespread acclaim, being featured in Bon Appétit magazine, recognized by the Best of Delaware, and winning numerous national and international awards.
Cassie Lawson
Vice President
Cassie Lawson, daughter of Rick Ewing and Vice President of Delaware Sauce Company, has grown up witnessing the dedication and hard work that goes into building a successful business. Inspired by her father's relentless pursuit of excellence, Cassie is proud to be part of the company. She believes that kindness, hard work, and perseverance are the keys to not only a thriving business but also a fulfilling life. Cassie’s passion for the family business is celebrated with the EagleWingz Cayenne Cassie Hawaiian Heat Sauce, a tribute to her commitment and energy.
Visit Our Store
Contact Information:
- Phone: 302-337-6399
- Email: info@delawaresauce.com
Store Hours:
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Come by and see why we are Delaware’s only true craft hot sauce maker. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you find the perfect sauce to spice up your meals!