By Helen Mitternight

Editor’s Note: Charleston is such a foodie town that food and beverage superstars are hiding in plain sight, out of theJames Beardlimelight, but still very much creating and serving amazing food and drinks. This series profiles Charleston’s “Hidden F&Bs.”

Red Clay is the darling of the hot sauce scene with testimonials from the likes of Martha Stewart and the Today Show’s Jenna Bush Hager.

Want a hot sauce that won’t blow your head off? Molly Fienning, CEO ofRed Clay Hot Sauce,says hers is the one to look for because it focuses on flavor and not heat. But, a word of warning: Fienning calls hers the “gateway hot sauce,” so there is no telling where it will lead you!

Red Clay is the darling of the hot sauce scene with testimonials from the likes ofMartha Stewartand theTodayshow’s Jenna Bush Hager. But chefs are the ones who made this brand soar. Fienning credits the sauce for not being super-fiery and hiding what chefs are trying to do with their dishes. The legendarySean Brockeven mentioned it in his cookbook.

She was one of the founders of Pay It Forward which helped food and beverage workers who couldn’t afford to feed their families during the pandemic.

Fienning is working behind the scenes to build the brand and give back to Charleston. She was one of the founders ofPay It Forwardwhich helped food and beverage workers who couldn’t afford to feed their families during the pandemic. The group is now an official nonprofit and continues to provide for those in need. (Check out Episode 23 of Hidden F&B podcast with Michael Shemtov to learn more! Contributions are still being accepted.)

Red Clay Hot Sauce may not burn your tongue, but with all the attention, it’s hot in more ways than one. For more on Fienning and her popular hot sauce brand, tune into our conversation onEpisode 45 now. 

Curious who's hiding beyond Charleston? Find episodes from the national podcasthere.