At its core, Cry Baby Craig’s has always been about people.
What started as a simple recipe became a way to bring people together—around tables, in kitchens, at restaurants, and at community events. Every batch is made with care, not just to add flavor to food, but to spark conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.
For Craig, the sauce was just the beginning. The real story is the people who gather around it.
CRAIG KAISER
FOUNDER OF CRY BABY CRAIG'S HOT SAUCE
Craig Kaiser is the visionary founder behind Cry Baby Craig's Hot Sauce, a celebrated brand, renowned for its unique blend of heat and flavor. Based in Minnesota, Craig launched Cry Baby Craig's with a mission to create a hot sauce that not only delivered the perfect amount of spice but also elevated every meal with its distinct, tangy taste.
Drawing inspiration from his love of bold flavors and culinary experimentation, he crafted his first batch of habanero-based hot sauce using locally sourced peppers and fresh garlic. What started as an accidental delivery of peppers to the restaurant, quickly grew into a thriving business as word spread about the sauce’s signature zing and versatility.
Cry Baby Craig's has become a staple in kitchens and restaurants throughout the Midwest and beyond. His commitment to quality is evident in every bottle—each batch is handcrafted in small quantities to ensure consistency and freshness. The CBC team is dedicated to using all-natural ingredients, free from artificial preservatives, making Craig's hot sauce a favorite among food enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers alike.
Beyond his entrepreneurial spirit, Craig is an advocate for supporting local agriculture and businesses. He frequently collaborates with Minnesota farmers and food producers, helping to strengthen the local food community. His approachable personality and infectious enthusiasm for spicy foods have made him a beloved figure at farmers markets, food festivals, and culinary events.
Craig Kaiser’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and staying true to one’s roots. Through Cry Baby Craig's Hot Sauce, he continues to inspire others to embrace creativity in the kitchen and to add a dash of adventure to every meal.
"He gets it"
It’s 8:30 in the morning and the kitchen smells like fresh habaneros. Boxes of peppers from the local farm cover the prep table, and the crew is already hard at work. Right in the middle of it all is the most determined prep cook of the day—Craig’s four-year-old son, Craig Jr.
Jr. was very adamant about helping with prep on this day. Craig, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure—because one wrong move with peppers and a little eye rub can change the trajectory of the day real quick. But Jr. wouldn’t let up. Finally, Craig gave in, slipping oversized rubber gloves on his son’s hands and taping them to his arms so they wouldn’t fall off.
Gloved up and ready, Jr. proudly took his spot at the table. He watched the adults on either side of him, studying every move, and quietly joined in with all the focus in the world.
For Craig, it was one of those moments you never forget—watching his son’s determination and care, and feeling a deep sense of pride.
As he looked on, he thought to himself, “He gets it.”
“I put hot sauce on everything and am very picky. This is the best habanero sauce! Not too hot, flavor is amazing.”
- Shannon Dolan
"I consider myself a hot sauce aficionado, and I can safely say that Cry Baby Craig's is the best tasting sauce I've ever had."
Owen Jones
Our food rep told us about this sauce. We loved it and even had a burger on the menu featuring the sauce. People loved it. Heat, slightly sweet, slightly acidic. I would recommend to anyone.
- Ria Grand
“From our kitchen to yours, thanks for being a part of our story. Here’s to good food, great people, and just the right amount of heat.”
