About Us
Our journey began with a backyard experiment and a batch of homegrown peppers. Founder Matthew Mini started making hot sauce in 2006, blending peppers with the guidance of friends in the fermentation community of Santa Rosa, California. What started as a fun hobby soon grew into something more; by 2019, Matt had taken his passion to Bellingham, Washington, and officially opened Funky’s Hot Sauce Factory.
Since then, Funky’s has grown in ways we couldn’t have imagined. In 2022, after years of refining recipes and testing sauces with friends and family, Funky’s went from local favorite to national acclaim when we won the “Screaming MiMi 2022 Grand World Champion” award at the NYC Hot Sauce Expo. This wasn’t just a win — it was a moment that put our small, family-run business on the map. It was a “pinch yourself” moment, and one that made us realize just how many people loved what we had created.
Our journey took another thrilling turn when we heard Stellar Fuzz would be featured on Hot Ones, in the #3 slot. For us, seeing our sauce among the world’s hottest — alongside the infamous Pepper X — feels like a culmination of everything we’ve worked for: delivering bold, balanced sauces for heat-seekers everywhere. Stellar Fuzz’s mix of habanero heat and rich flavor has earned its place in the hot sauce spotlight, and we’re proud to say it’s also in the Good Foods Foundation’s finalist round.
As our reach has grown, we remain true to our roots, sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible from farms across the Pacific Northwest. Southern Exposure Family Farm, Boldly Grown Farm, and Broomstick Farm all contribute fresh, Non-GMO ingredients to our recipes, while local talent like Tony Walters of Fat Lizard Designs and AMS Printing bring our vibrant label art to life.
In 2023, we expanded to a new kitchen and retail space in Bellingham’s Haskell business park, a place where customers can taste and experience Funky’s flavors up close. We also acquired Trilby’s BBQ Sauce and Seasonings, a beloved local brand that we’re excited to relaunch with a fresh look.
Our commitment has always been to create sauces that are about more than just heat. With 15+ unique sauces ranging from the mild Wild Child to the scorching Seeing Stars, Funky’s has a flavor for everyone — whether you’re a hot sauce fanatic or a curious beginner. Each bottle is 100% Non-GMO and mostly organic, with many options that are vegan and gluten-free, because we believe quality matters as much as flavor.
Thank you for being part of Funky’s journey. We’re here to bring bold, unforgettable flavors from our kitchen to your table, and we couldn’t do it without the support of our incredible customers. For the latest updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or check out FunkysHotSauceFactory.com to learn where you can find Funky’s and Trilby’s products near you.