Midwest Fresh

Chef Kevin Grider began cooking with his Aunt Becky at a very young age, helping her create a special macrobiotic diet in hopes of prolonging her life. Before succumbing to cancer, she made Kevin promise to become a great chef.

Kevin not only completed culinary school, he also earned associate degrees in restaurant management and business administration — before entering the real culinary world with vigor, working locally at The Marriott in Indianapolis and the Bridgewater Club in Carmel, and later opening Grains & Grill and Bad Dad Brewery in Fairmount.

“After a successful opening, the vision was clear,” says Kevin, who credits those creative culinary experiences, along with helping 10 other owners open restaurants across the state, to giving him the inspiration and confidence to launch his own product line of Midwest Fresh gourmet sauces.

He immediately began receiving awards for the specialty sauces, such as the 2019 Lux Life Best Burger Sauce, 2020 Good Food Awards Pantry Division, and the 2020 Lux Life Best Gourmet Sauce Brand USA. His signature Bacon Jam and Spicy Bacon Jam — deemed best sellers on the Midwest Fresh website — juried in as Indiana Artisan in 2020, reaching another level of excellence.

“I am routinely reminded of Aunt Becky, and it is the best honor knowing I have fulfilled my promise,” Kevin says.

Midwest Fresh creates its sauces using exclusive products sourced from high-quality, sustainable farms and local food producers. Midwest Fresh products are available at more than 1,000 retail locations in 30 states, coast-to-coast. Kevin’s dream is to become a staple in homes across the Midwest and beyond.

Kevin also sponsors several local sports teams, and teaches culinary skills to youth at a local family services center.