Photography BY mike crupi
Jake Fludd III, founder of Cleveland-based 5 Fludds BBQ Sauce.
📷: Mike Crupi
From family cookouts to restaurant menus, 5Fludds BBQ Sauce has quickly become a Cleveland favorite, winning hearts (and taste buds) with a story as rich as its flavor. What started as a beloved family recipe has grown into a brand rooted in legacy, love, and the power of gathering around a good meal.
We sat down with founder Jake Fludd III to learn more about the inspiration behind the sauce, the mission to strengthen families and communities, and how every bottle is a tribute to his father’s vision.
What is the story behind 5 Fludds? How did it all start?
Jake Fludd III: 5Fludds Sauce is more than a condiment—it’s a cornerstone of our family legacy.
It all began in 1983 when my father, Jake Fludd Jr., first crafted the sauce that would become a staple at our family gatherings, church cookouts, and neighborhood cookouts. He always dreamed of bottling it or opening a restaurant, but raising our family came first. After we lost him unexpectedly in 2016, I knew his legacy had to live on. With encouragement from my sister and my mom’s blessing, we bottled the sauce in 2022 and officially launched the brand in 2023. By July 2024, 5Fludds Sauce made it to store shelves, online shops, and restaurant menus—each bottle carrying our story and our mission to bring people back to the dinner table.
We’re a family-first brand because that’s exactly who we are—the Fludds. We don’t always agree, but the love never leaves the room. Our father taught us that being present and building strong family bonds is the true measure of success. That belief shapes how we make our sauce and how we run our business. Just like our sauce adds unique flavor to every meal, each of us brings our own unique flavor to the table.
From left to right: Jacquelyn Fludd (mother), Jailynn Fludd (niece), Jake Fludd III (son, brother and uncle), and Nevette Fludd (sister)—carrying on a flavorful family legacy.
📷: Mike Crupi
What makes your BBQ sauce unique compared to others?
JF III: We’re built on the mission of strengthening families, and that purpose drives everything we do. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality—we take no shortcuts and make no compromises. We prioritize health, refusing to trade your family’s well-being for profit. And with unmatched versatility, our sauce brings flavor to endless dishes, making mealtime simpler and more enjoyable. That’s why we say, “More than a sauce… it’s a connection.”
What goes into creating a great BBQ sauce? Any key ingredients you swear by?
JF III: Balance and love. Everyone has different taste buds, but for us, it’s about nailing the sweet, savory, and tangy notes. We won’t spill all the secrets, but we use a few unexpected ingredients that make it work. Oh, and caramelization? Game changer. If it sticks to the ribs, you know it’s good.
📷: Mike Crupi
Do you have a go-to BBQ dish that pairs perfectly with your sauce?
JF III: Ribs. That’s how most people fall in love with our sauce. Smoky, sweet, tangy, and absolutely finger-lickin’ good.
What’s your favorite way to use your BBQ sauce?
JF III: Fried chicken. Hands down. Fry it crispy, baste it with 5Fludds Sauce, and toss it in the oven for 3–5 minutes. It’s next level. Sometimes we joke about opening a whole restaurant around that one dish… maybe one day!
What’s the response been like from the Cleveland community?
JF III: Cleveland has shown us nothing but love. Putting your family’s legacy on a shelf for strangers to try is scary—but the feedback has been amazing. About 90% of people who taste it say they like it, and around 70% of those say they absolutely LOVE it. Cleveland supports local, and we’re honored to serve this city.
📷: Mike Crupi
Do you collaborate with other local vendors or businesses?
JF III: Absolutely. Collaboration is one of our core values. We’ve worked with Black Box Fix, Olivia’s Dream Foundation, Fairfax Market, Mazzulo’s 30th Anniversary, and Destination Dream Foundation, just to name a few. We’re even planning to source ingredients for new flavors from local vendors. Cleveland is our home, and strong communities start with working together.
Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?
JF III: In five years, we hope to be a household name along the East Coast with 3 to 5 bold flavors on shelves. But even more important, we’re building a nonprofit in my father’s honor focused on family support and male leadership in communities. It’s all about growth—with heart.
If your sauce were a song, what would it be—and why?
JF III: “Creepin on ah Come Up” by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
Just like them, we’re rooted in Cleveland and on the rise. We’re grinding, growing, and making moves—one bottle at a time.
5Fludds BBQ Chicken Lollipops, find the recipe here
📷: Mike Crupi
How can people support 5 Fludds?
Find 5 Fludds BBQ Sauce on the shelves at Fairfax Market in aisle 5!
Leave a Google review if you’ve tried the sauce. It really helps!
Shop online at 5fluddssauce.com and subscribe.
Come to 5 Fludds events—check our socials for details. We love connecting in person.
Supporting 5Fludds Sauce means more than buying a bottle. It’s helping build stronger families and communities, one meal at a time.