Family-owned hot sauce business Papa Tony’s is based in West Seattle and started when owner Tony Wilson began experimenting with spice and sauces in quarantine four years ago.

Raine Padawer first came upon Papa Tony’s hot sauces at the U-District farmers market and is now an employee of Papa Tony’s.

Working the booth includes giving lots of samples, which is one of Padawer’s favorite parts of the job.

“It sparks conversation,” she said. “People like telling me their hot sauce stories, and so it’s fun hearing people’s personal relationships with spice.”

The first flavors of hot sauce Tony made were the garlic habanero and mango habanero. “Flavor first, then heat” is Tony’s recipe guideline, Padawer said. This reporter was fortunate enough to sample the two original flavors and can confirm they are both delectable, and, matched with the following heat, delicious.

“It’s very family-centered,” Padawer said. Tony’s 4-year-old daughter named the business and Tony’s wife designed the business logo.

Papa Tony’s can currently be found in farmers markets across the greater Seattle area, all 16 PCC locations and Made in Washington locations and online services.

Find more about Papa Tony’s at www.papatonyshotsauce.com.

Coffee roaster

Lisa Petke started Cafe Che Che, a small batch coffee roasting business, during the pandemic. The business is based out of her home in South Seattle.

“I started with a hot air popper in my backyard during the pandemic,” Petke said. “My young adult daughter is a cancer survivor, and I needed a job not outside, that wouldn’t bring COVID-19 home.”

Petke got a cottage business license, verifying her ability to roast from her home kitchen. The business began and continues to deliver coffee beans to customer’s doorsteps. The door-to-door delivery has a special place in Petke’s heart. “When I pick up this bag it still feels like a gift,” she said, holding up a one-pound bag of coffee beans.

Cafe Che Che sells blends and single-origin coffee beans, Petke said, which are sourced from small farms that use organic and bird-friendly practices.

“I like the people, I like the connection,” Petke said. “I like talking coffee.”

Free delivery within South Seattle is available. Find out more about Cafe Che Che at www.cafecheche.com.

Lisa Petke with her booth at the Renton Farmers Market on Tuesday.