Shore Smoke Seasonings cuts ribbon with Millsboro chamber

The Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting celebration for Shore Smoke Seasonings.

Co-owner and new Millsboro resident Ryan Stevenson has been passionate about creating seasonings for years, sharing his hobby with family and friends. With some downtime from his job in 2020 due to COVID, Ryan’s wife Nicole Stevenson suggested he sell his seasonings. Ryan was unsure, but Nicole bought him a business license for his birthday that year, and Shore Smoke was born.

“Nicole is the one who kept telling me for years my seasonings were amazing and we should sell them,” said Ryan. “I never thought anyone would buy them, but it’s been a dream come true.”

Stevenson crafted numerous recipes and distributed samples for market testing in his old Smyrna neighborhood. He used the feedback to identify the best blends and began selling them. What started out as a hobby became a full-time business almost overnight. In only a couple years, the Stevensons have shipped Shore Smoke Seasonings to all 50 states, and to Australia, England and Canada.

Shore Smoke offers nine blends ranging from those that truly bring the heat to sweeter and milder varieties. Their recipes are gaining notoriety as Shore Smoke Seasonings captured nine Scovie Awards in 2023, including sweeping first, second and third place in the Not Spicy Table Seasoning category, a first in Unique Condiments, a second and third in Kid Friendly Table Condiments, and a third in Barbecue Cook It Up Dry Rub Seasoning. The Scovie Awards evolved from the National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show, and attract hundreds of international entries each year.

“We were hoping for just one award, but waking up to nine felt like Christmas morning,” said Nicole. “We are just so grateful for all of our family, friends and customers who have supported us along the way.”

Shore Smoke Seasonings can be found in stores in 22 different states across the country including a growing list in Delaware, and online.

To order, go to shoresmokeseasonings.com. For more information, call 302-943-4675.