The Bitchin’ Sauce Saga: Betrayal, Conflict, and Moving Forward

The Breaking Point: When Business Becomes Personal

In this second episode of the SauceCast, the Smith Brothers, Porter and Ryan, continue their journey through the dramatic evolution of Bitchin’ Sauce. Picking up from the peak of their business, this episode delves into the red flags, betrayals, and ultimate fallout that led to their departure from the company they helped build.

As Bitchin’ Sauce expanded into Southern California, Colorado, and the Bay Area, the brothers faced increasing challenges within their core ownership group. The warning signs were no longer subtle; personal issues and business decisions began to clash, leading to one of the most intense family conflicts imaginable.

Expansion Plans and a Sudden Shift

With Bitchin’ Sauce growing rapidly, Porter proposed a plan to relocate to the Bay Area to expand their Whole Foods footprint. This move made strategic sense—having an owner actively present would help boost sales, making it a cost-effective and growth-oriented decision.

However, what should have been a simple business decision escalated into a deep personal conflict. Their sister, Starr, opposed the move, questioning Porter’s entitlement to additional pay to accommodate the Bay Area’s high living costs. Her objections weren’t based on logic or business growth but seemed rooted in personal resentment.

This disagreement marked the first major divide in decision-making within the ownership group of Bitchin’ Sauce. The brothers realized there was no process in place for handling such disputes—there were no formal operating agreements, making decision-making ambiguous and volatile.

Personal Grudges Take Over

As the tension escalated, Starr’s opposition became less about business strategy and more about control. It was clear that the conflict was no longer about the company—it was personal.

To resolve the issue, the brothers sought counsel from their father, who advised them to stick with a majority rule decision-making model for Bitchin’ Sauce. However, Starr insisted that all decisions had to be unanimous, effectively giving her veto power over the company’s future. The realization set in—if left unchecked, the business would be held hostage by personal grievances.

The Ultimate Betrayal: A Hostile Takeover

As tensions boiled over, things took a shocking turn. While Ryan was visiting family in Maine and their father was in Alaska, Starr made her move:

• She changed the locks to the Bitchin’ Sauce production facility.

• She locked Porter and Ryan out of the bank accounts and finances.

• She claimed the intellectual property of Bitchin’ Sauce, attempting to separate it from the original company.

• She resigned from the original company (Bitchin’ Inc.) while taking the product, revenue, and accounts with her.

The brothers were blindsided. They had gone from co-owners of a thriving business to being completely shut out overnight.

Ryan confronted Starr, asking, “What am I to you?” Her response was cold and dismissive: “You were just my brother helping me start a company.”

Locked Out and Left With Nothing

With no income, no access to company funds, and young families to support, Porter and Ryan found themselves at rock bottom. Struggling to figure out their next move, they turned to their loyal customer base, launching a GoFundMe campaign to help them navigate the crisis. The outpouring of support was heartwarming.

Instead of immediately pursuing legal action, the brothers took time to reflect. A letter from Porter's mother-in-law contained a Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 6, which advised against taking a brother/sister to court. It posed a critical question: Would you rather be wronged, or would you rather do wrong?

In that moment, the brothers made a bold and unconventional decision—they would not fight back in court.

Instead, they sought a biblical resolution, offering mediation through a trusted third party to resolve the dispute over Bitchin’ Sauce. But when Star refused mediation, it became clear that there was no path to reconciliation.

What’s Next?

With no company, no income, having just walked away from Bitchin’ Sauce, Porter and Ryan were forced to start from scratch. But out of the ashes of betrayal and loss came new beginnings and unexpected blessings.

In the next episode, they’ll reveal how they turned one of the most painful experiences of their lives into something even greater.

Stay tuned—this story is far from over.