When Kim Lanes’ family was bottling salsa in old coke bottles and sealing them with paraffin wax, they never dreamed that someday their old family recipe might find its way to a store shelf. But that’s what happened. 5Gen Salsa is a five-generation family recipe for salsa that can be found in several mid-Missouri grocery stores.
“We always referred to it as ‘mom’s ketchup and chili sauce,” said owner Kim Lanes. The salsa was traditionally made as a condiment to be eaten with cornbread, black-eyed peas and pork chops, but goes with just about anything.
Lanes said she began serving as salsa with chips when entertaining at MU tailgate parties. “Everyone always raves about it and encouraged me to bottle it.” Still the decision to create a business in addition to her job as a manager of a Missouri children’s home was a big one. “After praying about it and researching for over a year I finally went into business,” she said.
Lanes’ first sale was July 29, 2011 to C&S Grocery in Harrisburg, near her home. But already Lanes’ business is growing beyond her local community. 5Gen Salsa can now be found in the Columbia Metro area at Conley Rd. Hy-Vee, Rockbridge Hy-Vee and Moser’s on Rangeline.
Photo: Kim Lanes sampling her 5Gen Salsa in the AgriMissouri store at the 2011 Missouri State Fair
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