Deadly Dan Sauces
A Saskatoon Success Fueled by Community, Creativity, and SK Startup Support
Located in the heart of Saskatoon, Deadly Dan Sauces has become one of the city’s most recognizable local brands, known for its vibrant artwork, bold flavours, and a family story rooted in creativity and culture. What began as a small home operation has grown into a thriving Indigenous-owned business, with their bottles now appearing in retailers across Saskatchewan.
Dan’s connection to Saskatoon began long before the brand took off. He says the city’s entrepreneurial spirit and supportive ecosystem were a major part of why he chose to build his company here. That support system became even more important as Deadly Dan Sauces continued to grow, leading him to the SK Startup Institute, a place he describes as a turning point in his journey.
“The biggest impact SK Startup had on me was realizing there’s a real community here, people who genuinely look out for small businesses. I immediately felt comfortable and supported, and I knew I could trust everyone involved.”
Dan also highlighted how SK Startup’s advisors, resources, and guidance helped him navigate critical parts of building a food business, from regulations to operations to scaling. He pointed to the professional connections he gained through the Institute as a major piece of his success.
“SK Startup set me up with everything I needed: an accountant, a lawyer, an insurance broker, the whole package. It was a one stop shop, and I’m really happy with the professionals I found there.”
A major milestone came in 2023 when Dan was crowned the winner of SREDA’s SOAR Indigenous Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition. The experience brought visibility, momentum, and validation to what he had been building. It also reinforced for him that Saskatchewan is a place where small businesses can thrive when they have the right support behind them.
Another pivotal moment in the company’s evolution was launching their flagship restaurant at The Gather Local Market. This bold move allowed Dan to expand beyond bottles and into a full culinary experience.
“A huge keystone in our journey, and something SK Startup played a major role in, was opening our flagship restaurant at The Gather. It’s an achievement we are incredibly proud of, and SK Startup was there every step of the way.”
Whether it was business planning, compliance, or strategic advice, the Institute helped Dan fast track key decisions and move forward with confidence.
“It not only helped me get quick answers, it gave me the confidence to be up and running from day one.”
If there’s one thing Dan emphasizes to aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s that you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for support.
“If you’re thinking about starting a business, don’t be scared to ask for a hand up. There are so many amazing resources like SK Startup out there. Just reach out to anybody and they will help you with your journey.”
Deadly Dan Sauces continues to grow, fueled by creativity, community, and a commitment to delivering bold flavours with heart. With a flagship restaurant, a growing product line, and a SOAR championship win under his belt, Dan’s story is a testament to what happens when passion meets the right support system.