WRITTEN BY CAITLIN M. DEWICKI
Photo by [Peasant Life]
From Kitchen Curiosity to Culinary Legacy: The Lorraine’s Premium BBQ Sauce Story
Tucked between the shelves of local favorites at Meijer’s Woodward Corner Market sits a bottle of sauce with a soul. Lorraine’s Premium BBQ Sauce is more than a condiment; it’s a heartfelt tribute, a mission for better health, and a vehicle for inspiring future generations.
A Sauce with a Soul
Larry Crockett’s journey into the world of barbecue sauce started long before he ever envisioned selling it. As the youngest of three children, Larry had a habit of taking his siblings’ toys apart, much to their dismay. To keep him safe and out of trouble, his mother brought him into the kitchen, where she taught him how to cook, clean, and become self-sufficient. At the same time, he would watch his father carefully mix his own blend of barbecue sauce, adding secret ingredients to the one brand of sauce that was widely available at the time. This unique combination of nurturing and curiosity planted the seed for what would eventually become Lorraine’s Premium BBQ Sauce.
When Larry's father passed away during Larry’s teenage years, it became a personal rite of passage to take over the grill. From then on, he continued to perfect the sauce that would one day carry the name Lorraine, a tribute to his mother. It wasn’t until Thanksgiving of 2016 that a friend tasted the sauce and asked, "Don’t you want to bottle that?" This moment sparked the idea that this family tradition should be shared with the world.
Premium Flavor, Purposeful Ingredients
What makes Lorraine’s Premium BBQ Sauce stand out isn’t just its taste, but its intention. Larry takes pride in offering a product made with premium, health-conscious ingredients that aim to nourish rather than harm. “I think we can do better by what we put in,” he explained. “Some of the ingredients allowed in the U.S. aren’t even allowed in other countries. I want a healthier community.” That mindset has shaped Lorraine’s Premium BBQ Sauce as a standout option for health-conscious consumers seeking cleaner, more mindful ingredients.
“I’m one of the healthiest products on the market in my category.”
To develop the flavors, Larry began by setting up four large stockpots on his stove, each starting with the same base. He knew he wanted to deliver variety and authenticity, so he crafted four bold flavors that each offer a distinct culinary experience. The Original is a classic base honoring tradition. The Sweet N’ Smoky is a crowd favorite, used in everything from pulled pork sliders to grilled veggies. The Asian flavor draws directly from Larry’s experience traveling in Japan, where he fell in love with the country's approach to food as medicine. This variety features delicate, aromatic notes that pair well with salmon or stir-fry. Lastly, the Southwest Chipotle Kick brings the heat with bold spices inspired by the flavors of New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.
Each flavor is designed to stand on its own while also offering flexibility for chefs and home cooks alike. Larry has seen his sauces featured in vegan gumbo, salmon dishes, and even plant-based restaurants across Detroit. “Chef Que from Cooking with Que used the Asian sauce in her salmon and vegan dishes,” Larry recalled. “Chef Buddha used the Southwest Chipotle for a vegan gumbo. These sauces aren’t just for meat, they’re for flavor.”
Supporting the Next Generation
Larry’s heart for Detroit runs deep, and that love is reflected in how he gives back to the community. He recognizes the role mentors played in his life and strives to be that same force for youth today.
“Detroit has been phenomenal…and when it’s something Detroit-based, they claim it like, ‘Oh, this is our flavor!’”
Each summer, Larry hires local teens and young adults to help with his business operations. From managing inventory to working demo tables at grocery stores like Rivertown Market, these young adults get a real-world crash course in discipline, professionalism, and entrepreneurship. “One twin did my seasonings, and the other two worked the demo table,” Larry said. “It’s about giving them structure and showing them they can build something, too.”
The mentorship doesn’t end with summer jobs. Larry also hopes to launch a scholarship in honor of his late nephew, a talented young chef who passed away from colon cancer. The goal is to support inner-city youth interested in culinary careers, encouraging them to embrace cooking and healthy eating. “Cooking is great. It can take you all over the world,” Larry shared.
“I want them to know that there are other options and that taking calculated chances can change your life.”
Collaboration at the Core
Lorraine’s Premium BBQ Sauce isn’t just a one-man show. Larry is passionate about collaboration and building meaningful partnerships that uplift not just his brand, but others as well. He has worked with organizations like Trinity Films and Taste of Black Spirits to bring his sauces to events where food, culture, and creativity intersect. “We did a series called Collective Behavior where vegan chefs paired my sauces with liquor brands,” Larry explained. “We’re tying it all together to make something greater.”
He also recently began a collaboration with a local Detroit artist he met at the Grand Prix. The two plan to set up side-by-side at Eastern Market, where Larry will offer tastings while the artist creates live paintings.
“I just love collaborating with other businesses. To me, the tide raises all ships.”
This spirit of unity and innovation is pushing Lorraine’s into new territory. Larry has registered the company in Ghana and is working with a partner to develop a version of his sauces using ingredients local to West Africa. “You’ll be able to distinctly tell the difference between American and Ghanaian versions,” he said. “We already exported a whole pallet to the U.S. Embassy there. Life is just so much fun.”
Resilience and Optimism
Navigating the early stages of growth came with no shortage of challenges for Lorraine’s Premium BBQ Sauce. Launching just before the COVID-19 pandemic meant Larry had to quickly adapt to a world where in-store demos, tastings, and face-to-face customer engagement were no longer possible. For nearly two years, he couldn’t showcase his product the way he intended. Masks, safety protocols, and consumer hesitation created major barriers for a brand built on connection and experience. “That was like our second launch,” he reflected. “But everybody had to navigate the pandemic, and we did, too.”
Today, the challenges haven’t disappeared. Securing shelf space, managing distribution, and sustaining growth all come with ongoing obstacles. Yet Larry’s outlook remains rooted in perseverance and appreciation for the journey.
“I get to do this. I could have a supervisor handing me paperwork and deadlines, but instead, I get to deliver to 50 stores. That’s a blessing.”
Taste the Legacy
Every bottle of Lorraine’s Premium BBQ Sauce is a testament to love, resilience, and flavor. From the logo featuring his mother’s high school photo to the Navy ring Larry wears in honor of his father, each detail carries meaning. More than just a product, Lorraine’s is a reflection of the values Larry lives by: quality, community, and legacy.
If you’re in the metro Detroit area, you don’t have to look far to experience it for yourself. Woodward Corner Market, a proud supporter of local and diverse vendors, carries all four of Larry’s signature flavors. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, preparing a weeknight dinner, or trying to add a bold twist to your favorite vegan recipe, Lorraine’s Premium BBQ Sauce offers something unforgettable.
As Larry simply put it, “Thank you. I will always deliver quality products. I appreciate everyone who purchases or stops by and talks. The best is yet to come.”
To learn more, visit www.Lorrainesbbqsauce.com, and pick up a bottle today at Woodward Corner Market to support a Detroit-based legacy in every drop.