There’s a new hot condiment on the shelves in the Capital Region and it is quickly spreading like wildfire. Hot Crispy Oil, an Albany-based company, was created out of co-founder John Trimble’s family restaurant that had to recently closed due to the pandemic. Hot Crispy Oil’s unique recipe of blended extra virgin olive oil, fresh fried garlic, shallots, and chili peppers is very versatile and can serve as a dipping sauce, a dressing, or as an ingredient while cooking. I use it within various cuisines in my own cooking and I can imagine after reading this feature, you will want to too! So, let’s learn more about Hot Crispy Oil and the founders behind this popular condiment.
Business Name: Hot Crispy Oil
Owners: John Trimble & Partners
Established Year: 2020
Location: Albany, NY
Facebook: @hotcrispyoil
Instagram: @hotcrispyoil
Website: www.hotcrispyoil.com
Tell us about your business and the story behind its creation!
In march 2020, Covid hit and we closed family 43 year old restaurant.
Under luck down, unemployed, stuck in home I began playing with many recipes. Have long been a fan of chili oils. On vacation in Istanbul had one that was heavy on cumin that the hotel used to put on eggs every morning. Big fan of some Asian chili oils and Salsa Macha from Mexico. Took influences from different kinds all over the world. Created one that I felt had a flavor profile that would lend it to almost any food. Hot Crispy Oil was born.
What products and services do you offer? What makes them unique?
We offer 2 products now. Original and extra hot. We are in the works to make an Aioli and even a dry rub. We make them by hand in small batches. We try to use some of the best ingredients available.
What do you love most about running your own business and being a business owner?
Every day is a challenge. I learned this by running a restaurant for 20 years. It keeps day to day activities from becoming monotonous.
What has been one of the most memorable experiences or opportunities that you’ve experienced since opening your business?
Recently we made it to the very last stage of Shark Tank audition. A producer from LA reached out to us and loved the brand, product and story behind it. In the end, we didn’t make it because of the competitive landscape but it was exciting nonetheless.
What advice would you give to aspiring business owners?
If you aren’t failing at something daily than you are not growing. Every success story is built on a plethora of failures.
Advice you’d give to anyo who would come to you about how they can get into your industry, start their own business, etc.
There will be really good days and really bad days. Try to round out the highs and lows. With most big breaks there is a catch and with most big lows there is major character development you can grow from. If you can take a lot of the emotion out of the equation it becomes easier to push forward.
Michella Hand 