Southeast Missouri State University’s hospitality management students are cooking up a new batch of their popular Hawk Sauce just in time for Homecoming.
This limited-edition sauce is described as a honey hot sauce, sweet and spicy. The ingredients include local honey from Indian Creek Hives in Jackson, Missouri, and the main ingredient of Fresno chili peppers from the West Coast.
SEMO’s original Hawk Sauce launched in 2019 when students majoring in hospitality management made the first bottles. Dr. Quantella Noto, associate professor and director of Hospitality and Management in the Harrison College of Business and Computing, says making, hand bottling, and marketing the Hawk Sauce is a creative way for hospitality management students to practice aspects of their curriculum and get hands-on experience in their field.
“It is our signature sauce on campus and the hospitality students are proud to be the ones who brought Hawk Sauce to campus, “says Noto. “The Hospitality Management Student Association (HMSA) uses Hawk Sauce as a fundraising opportunity for other experiential activities. The students are fundraising for an anticipated trip to the annual National Restaurant Show in Chicago, Illinois in May 2024.”
Southeast’s alumni and surrounding community have shown particular interest in the Hawk Sauce. Noto quotes, “the students’ hot sauce business is important as it is a great example of how students can turn their ideas into a business that benefits all the stakeholders involved.”
The hospitality students plan to only produce 150 bottles in honor of the 150th anniversary of Southeast. Bottles of Hawk Sauce will be available at the Homecoming Kick Off Block Party on Friday, Oct. 13.