TBJ Gourmet

What TBJ Gourmet does

TBJ Gourmet is a specialty food company founded in 2013 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, by two co-founders — Bruce (a Drexel engineering graduate and home brewer) and Mike (a chef and former restaurateur). The company manufactures and sells a line of spreadable bacon jams in flavors including Classic, Black Pepper, Honey Habanero, Maple Syrup, Sweet Chili, and Balsamic & Fig, sold primarily in 9oz jars at $12 retail. The core production process is a low-and-slow simmer applied to cosmetically imperfect bacon pieces that fail retail cut but retain flavor — an upcycling operation that the company reports rescues over 350,000 pounds of bacon from waste annually. The product line has expanded beyond bacon jams to include complementary seasonings (Himalayan Ghost Salt, Smoked Bacon Maple Sugar Rub), a Savory Tomato Jam co-developed with hunger-relief nonprofit Philabundance ($1/jar donated), and a fruit-ketchup brand ('Chups Craft Condiments) acquired in October 2022.

TBJ operates a three-channel go-to-market model: direct-to-consumer e-commerce via a Shopify storefront (free shipping at $35+, supported by a 30+ recipe content library and an Instagram/newsletter presence); wholesale and foodservice distribution through national partners Sysco, US Foods, KeHE, and the Faire marketplace; and direct food-service sales of a bulk 41oz 2-pack format for commercial kitchens. Pricing is per-unit across SKUs, with no subscription tier disclosed beyond a Seal Subscriptions widget integration on Shopify. The company is a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program alumnus and operates with 1-10 employees, no disclosed institutional funding beyond a 2013 Kickstarter, and no publicly stated revenue.

The customer base spans individual foodie/home-cook consumers, specialty gourmet retailers (delli, specialty, conventional grocery), and food-service operators (restaurants, caterers, commercial kitchens) using the product as a versatile spread, glaze, dip, and sandwich condiment. Differentiation rests on the upcycling/sustainability narrative, recipe versatility, and — increasingly — brand portfolio breadth following the 'Chups acquisition and the Philabundance co-branded tomato jam.

Name

TBJ Gourmet

Legal name

TBJ Gourmet

Website

https://tbjgourmet.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

TBJ Gourmet is a Pennsylvania-based specialty food company founded in 2013 that manufactures and sells spreadable bacon jams and adjacent craft condiments (seasonings, tomato jam, fruit ketchups via the 'Chups brand) through D2C e-commerce, national foodservice distributors (Sysco, US Foods, KeHE), and direct food-service channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Condiments

NAICS

Meat and Meat Product Merchant Wholesalers (424470), Meat and Meat Product Merchant Wholesalers (42447)

SIC

Miscellaneous Food Preparations & Kindred Products (2090), Food And Kindred Products (2000), Sausages & Other Prepared Meat Products (2013)

akta.pro primary industry

Jams, Jellies, Preserves & Fruit Spreads Manufacturing (AFAKADAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Specialty & Gourmet Foods Wholesale Distribution (CRAOAAAI)

Keywords

• Specialty food products
• Bacon condiments
• Gourmet jams
• Wholesale food distribution
• Upcycled ingredients

Headquarters

HQ city

West Chester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct-to-Consumer E-commerce: TBJ sells its full product line (bacon jams, rubs, salts) directly to consumers via its Shopify e-commerce storefront. Orders ship with calculated shipping and taxes, with free shipping on orders $35+. This is the primary direct revenue channel.
2. Wholesale / Distribution: TBJ sells wholesale to retailers and restaurants through direct outreach (email [email protected]) and through major foodservice distributors including Sysco, US Foods, and Kehe (KeHE). Also available via Faire wholesale marketplace.
3. Food Service / Commercial Kitchen: TBJ offers a bulk 41oz, 2-pack format for commercial kitchens and professional chefs. Sold direct via email ([email protected]) or through distribution partners. Same great recipe with bacon as the main ingredient in a chef-friendly larger format.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

TBJ Gourmet manufactures and sells a portfolio of bacon jams (Classic, Black Pepper, Honey Habanero, Maple Syrup, Sweet Chili, Fig & Balsamic) along with complementary seasonings (Smoked Bacon Maple Sugar Rub, Himalayan Ghost Salt), Savory Tomato Jam (co-produced with Philabundance), and 'Chups Craft Condiments fruit ketchups. The company sells these products direct-to-consumer through its Shopify e-commerce storefront and to businesses via foodservice distributors (Sysco, US Foods, KeHE), the Faire wholesale marketplace, and a dedicated bulk 41oz food service format.

Product overview

TBJ Gourmet is a specialty food company offering a portfolio of bacon jam products and craft condiments. The core product line centers on bacon jams—spreadable condiments made with bacon as the main ingredient—available in multiple varieties including Classic, Black Pepper, Honey Habanero, Maple Syrup, Sweet Chili, and Fig flavors, sold in 9oz jars and bulk 41oz food service containers. Complementary products include seasonings (Smoked Bacon Maple Sugar Rub, Himalayan Ghost Salt, Smoked Bacon Salt) and tomato-based jams. The company also acquired 'Chups Craft Condiments, expanding into fruit ketchups. Products are available for direct purchase, through wholesale/distribution channels, and via food service accounts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 'Chups Craft Condiments: Fruit ketchups brand acquired/partnered with TBJ Gourmet, developed by Matt and Kori Wallace, featuring flavors including Spicy Pineapple, Cherry, Mango, Blueberry, and Cranberry.

Products and services

• Classic Bacon Jam TBJ Gourmet's flagship 9oz spreadable bacon jam with sweet and savory profile and uncured bacon as the main ingredient; versatile condiment for sandwiches, dips, marinades, and pairings across meals. Sold to individual consumers and used by food service operators.
• Black Pepper Bacon Jam 9oz spreadable bacon jam with a black pepper kick, balancing sweetness and complexity; intended for deli sandwiches, steak, fish, and grilled applications.
• Honey Habanero Bacon Jam 9oz spreadable bacon jam combining fresh habanero peppers with natural honey, delivering heat balanced by sweetness; for consumers seeking a spicier condiment option.
• Maple Syrup Bacon Jam 9oz spreadable bacon jam made with real grade A maple syrup, offering rich smoky sweetness with bacon as the main ingredient.
• Savory Tomato Jam 9oz Savory Tomato Jam produced in collaboration with Philabundance, made from surplus farm products; $1 from every jar sold supports upcycled food production for hunger relief in the Delaware Valley.
• Bacon Jam Family 3-Pack (Sampler) Bundle of three 9oz bacon jam varieties (Black Peppercorn, Classic, and Sweet Chili) packaged as a gift-friendly sampler; targeted at bacon-loving consumers and gift buyers.
• Food Service: Original Bacon Jam 41oz. 2 Pack Bulk 41oz, two-pack case of Original Bacon Jam designed for commercial kitchens, restaurants, hotels, and caterers; USDA certified with bacon as the main ingredient for menu applications requiring larger formats.
• Sweet Chili Bacon Jam Bacon jam flavored with sweet chili and garlic, delivering a warm, barbecue-like taste; marketed for pork tenderloin, wings, and mac 'n cheese applications.
• Balsamic & Fig Bacon Jam Gourmet spreadable bacon jam combining savory bacon with sweet figs, designed to pair with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie boards.
• Smoked Bacon Maple Sugar Rub 2oz seasoning rub made with real Canadian maple sugar for glazing meats, sprinkling on vegetables, and enhancing desserts.
• Himalayan Ghost Salt 5oz finishing salt made with Pink Himalayan salt infused with Ghost Pepper, intended to add heat to grilled vegetables and roasted meats.
• 'Chups Craft Condiments Fruit ketchup brand acquired into TBJ Gourmet's portfolio in October 2022, offering Spicy Pineapple, Cherry, Mango, Blueberry, and seasonal Cranberry flavors developed by Matt and Kori Wallace; aligned with TBJ's specialty condiment and food waste reduction positioning.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 350,000 pounds of bacon rescued from waste annually

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• 'Chups Craft CondimentscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 October 2022TBJ Gourmet announced in October 2022 that it is bringing 'Chups Craft Condiments into its product portfolio. Developed by Matt and Kori Wallace, 'Chups offers fruit ketchups (Spicy Pineapple, Cherry, Mango, Blueberry, Cranberry) that challenge the traditional ketchup market. TBJ provides distribution and production support, combining 'Chups' loyal following and unique products with TBJ's broad distribution network. Both brands share a commitment to food waste reduction and redefining specialty condiments.
• PhilabundancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTBJ Gourmet's Savory Tomato Jam is a collaboration with Philabundance, the Delaware Valley's largest hunger relief organization. TBJ's Spiced Tomato Jam is sold under Philabundance's Abundantly Good brand, which upcycles surplus farm products into quality products for those in need. $1 from every jar sold goes toward producing upcycled food that Philabundance provides free to its clients. The partnership addresses food waste reduction, hunger relief, and farmer economic opportunity simultaneously.
• SyscocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSysco is one of TBJ Gourmet's primary foodservice distributors. TBJ products (bacon jams, food service bulk formats) are available for order through Sysco for restaurant and commercial kitchen customers nationwide.
• US FoodscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS Foods is a key foodservice distributor for TBJ Gourmet products, enabling nationwide restaurant and commercial kitchen distribution through US Foods' broad distribution network.
• Kehe (KeHE)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKeHE is a specialty and natural foods distributor. TBJ Gourmet showcased at the KeHE Summer Show and distributes products through KeHE for specialty, deli, meat, and grocery retail channels. KeHE's focus on specialty/natural aligns with TBJ's gourmet positioning.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Stonewall Kitchen: Specialty food brand offering premium jams, sauces, condiments, and gourmet pantry products across D2C, wholesale, and foodservice. Directly comparable to TBJ's multi-channel specialty condiment strategy and upmarket positioning.
• Robert Rothschild Farm: Specialty sauces, dips, preserves, and condiments brand sold through D2C, gourmet retail, and foodservice channels. Closely comparable product mix (spreads, jams, savory condiments) and channel strategy to TBJ.
• Braswell's: Specialty food producer of preserves, sauces, glazes, and condiments selling through specialty retail, food service, and D2C. Comparable in scale, product mix, and multi-channel go-to-market.
• Wickles Pickles: Specialty pickles and condiment brand with D2C, retail, and foodservice distribution. Similar in brand-led storytelling, niche positioning, and reliance on specialty/natural distributors like KeHE.
• Traina Foods: California-based specialty food brand producing dried fruit, sauces, condiments, and cooking bases. Directly comparable in D2C e-commerce, foodservice, and specialty retail positioning.
• J&D's Foods: Bacon-flavored foods brand (Bacon Salt, Bacon Pop, etc.) sold through specialty retail and D2C. Closely comparable in bacon-centric specialty food positioning and brand storytelling, though operates in dry seasoning form rather than spreads.

Broad incumbents

• Litehouse Foods: Established refrigerated dressings, sauces, dips, and cheese manufacturer selling primarily through retail and foodservice. Comparable in channel reach (national foodservice distribution) but with broader product portfolio.
• Mezzetta: National specialty foods brand offering sauces, peppers, olives, and pasta products through grocery, club, and foodservice. Comparable in specialty/specialty-adjacent positioning, with broader portfolio and national scale.

Emerging players

• Cary's Sugar Free: Specialty sugar-free jams and preserves brand sold through D2C and specialty retail. Comparable in product form (jams/preserves), channel mix, and small-team positioning.
• Skinny Sauce Co. Better-for-you sauce and condiment brand selling through D2C and emerging retail. Comparable in channel strategy and small-scale specialty positioning, though focused on low-calorie formulations.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/tbjgourmet
• Xx.com/tbjgourmet
• Facebookfacebook.com/baconjams

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TBJ Gourmet