There's a new way to purchase barbeque sauce in Windsor.
The Meyers family has launched not only Windsor's first, but Canada's first BBQ sauce vending machine at Tecumseh Mall.
This machine contains the Meyers family's local sauce called 'Louis Slab Sauce' which comes in flavours of original, mild and hot, as well as a rib rub.
Their sauce is made locally in Windsor, and after attending Tecumseh Mall's pop-up last season they knew it was the perfect spot to launch the vending machine.
Taylor Meyers, co-owner of Louis Slab Sauce, says they decided to start this as many businesses in the United States started selling their products in the machines.
"We figured we would jump on the trend and do the first BBQ sauce vending, and we thought Tecumseh Mall was the perfect location after doing our pop-up last year. And we had success there, and gained a lot of customers and new clients in that area, so we were happy to launch it there."
She says there has already been success at the mall location.
"We had a lot of new customers come in. We sold out of our rib rub that was in there. And we met a lot of new people that were very interested in it, and intrigued."
Windsor's first BBQ sauce vending machine opens at Tecumseh Mall. October 19, 2023 (Photo Credit: Courtesy of CTV Windsor's Stefanie Masotti)
She says it doesn't need to be refrigerated until it's opened.
"So it's pre-packaged and we actually have a unique plastic bottle, so it has a shelf life of one year. It's not a refrigerated vending machine, it can stay in there sealed and then obviously once customers buy the bottle and open it, then it has to be refrigerated."
The location of the vending machine is in the hallway located right out front of Shoppers Drug Mart.
Meyers adds that if this machine is successful they will look to expand to other malls across Canada.
Currently the Louis Slab Sauce is sold at approximately 15 retailers throughout Windsor-Essex.