From humble beginnings in Italy to the helm of a culinary empire, Rose Biggi's story is one of passion, perseverance, and a love for good food. Rose's signature horseradish sauce was the catalyst for Beaverton Foods, a company that has grown into the largest purveyor of specialty condiments in the United States. Today, her grandson, Domonic, carries on her legacy as CEO, ensuring that Beaverton Foods remains a privately owned family business.
While Beaverton Foods originally focused on Rose’s fresh-grated horseradish, the company now has six different brands under it, including the Beaver Brand and Inglehoffer. From sweet and spicy mustards to creamy horseradish, these award-winning condiments elevate your culinary creations with ease.
Recently, we caught up with Domonic to learn more about his grandmother’s journey and hear his advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
1. Why did you start Beaverton Foods?
In 1929, my grandmother Rose Biggi started Beaverton Foods in the cellar of her farmhouse. To help endure the Great Depression, she began grinding her horseradish crop, bottling it, and selling it to local grocery stores. Through her hard work and perseverance, she not only survived tough economic times but also built the foundation for the largest specialty condiment manufacturer in the United States.
2. What obstacles did you face along the way?
Rose’s early horseradish sold well at the local grocery store deli she was grinding it at, but the fumes drove customers out of the store. This led to her moving production to the basement of her farmhouse, where Beaverton Foods, originally called R & L Horseradish and then The Beaverton Horseradish Company, was founded. Over 70 years after starting the business, Rose’s son, Geno, would build a new 80,000-square-foot manufacturing plant. Everyone at Beaverton Foods still remembers Rose as an innovator who, against all odds, built what is now the largest distributor of specialty condiments in America.
3. What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Surround yourself with good people who have skills in areas that you may not. Treat everyone with respect. Make a great product that no one else has.
4. What’s on the horizon for Beaverton Foods?
Continue to manufacture the best products we can. Innovate. Find manufacturing efficiencies. Stay a privately held family business.
5. How do you keep work/life balance? What drives/inspires you?
Spend as much time as I can with family and friends without neglecting critical work projects. I want to leave Beaverton Foods better than it was given to me. That would be the best legacy to have.
- Tags
- Meet the Founder