Our founder, Danny Weir — aka Danny Weird — has always embraced what makes him different. What started as a childhood nickname became a creative identity, leading him to a decade-long career as a DJ and producer performing across the West Coast.

But behind the music was a personal battle. As an addict in recovery, Danny learned firsthand how addiction devastates lives and how many do not have the financial support they need to fight this disease.

With 15 years in agriculture, Danny also understood the uphill battle small farmers face — from unpredictable weather to market instability — and how difficult it is just to survive, let alone thrive.

That’s when the vision came together: build a business that does good on both ends. A company that not only donates a third of its net profits to addiction recovery programs, but also supports small farms by featuring their ingredients in every recipe.

While living in a sober living home, Danny began experimenting with bold, fruit-based hot sauces using ingredients from local farms. The feedback was instant — people loved it and his first sauce was even awarded the peoples choice award through a blind taste testing at the 2024 Hot Sauce Hootenanny. What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into a mission and and Step Up Sauces was born.

This is more than sauce. It’s about second chances, community, and flavor that makes a difference.

Welcome to the weird side of sauce — where purpose and flavor collide.