By Mark Ambrogi
Eric Murphy has always been a big proponent of specialty condiments.
So the 2009 Carmel High School graduate starting writing a blog about condiments after graduating from Indiana University with a business degree in 2013.
“When you walk into a condiment aisle at a grocery store, it is really overwhelming,” Murphy said. “You see so many different products and so many different brands, and the only ones you really know are the big-name labels that everyone trusts. The whole idea of the blog is I would rate and review condiments from retailers and then from different restaurants around the country. So it could be more of a central rating for condiment ratings and reviews.”
Murphy, 25, then decided it could turn his condiment passion into a business venture, selling condiment specialty boxes called Condiment Connection from different cities. He started out with Indianapolis and Chicago condiment boxes for sale, beginning Nov. 25.
Murphy rolled out the Cincinnati version, including Montgomery Inn barbecue sauce and Skyline Chili, in mid-January. Buffalo and New York City editions will be rolled out next. St. Louis, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh will follow, along with several others. There also will be a build-your-own-box with any four condiments.
“It’s just not economical for a consumer to buy one condiment from me because it would cost them $15 to $20 so the way I get around it is bundling, so I put them together,” he said. I also wanted to have it at a price people are comfortable with to send as a gift, so that’s in the $30 to $50 price range.”
The boxes retail for $39.95.
The Indianapolis box contains St. Elmo’s cocktail sauce, Squealers Smokin’ Hot BBQ Sauce, Best Boy Bourbon Barrel Carmel Sauce and LocalFolks Stone-Ground Mustard.
Murphy said for each city he is evaluating eight to 10 condiments to select four that meet qualifications.
Murphy, who lives in downtown Indianapolis, uses the basement in his parents’ Carmel home to store the inventory and ship his items. Murphy said most of the business so far has been customers buying the boxes as gifts.
Murphy has worked for International Medical Group since September.
“I tell people I have an 8 to 5 job, and then I come home and have an 8 to 12 (job),” Murphy said.
If his Condiment Connection catches on, it will be well worth it, Murphy figures.
For more, visit condimentconnection.com.
