5.23.25 1

Cackalacky Sauce

Alright, North Carolinians—it’s time to put down the Kraft Original Barbecue Sauce. For good. Because here in the Old North State, we’ve got something way better: Cackalacky Sweet Cheerwine Sauce.

Y’all, I’m not even playin’. I am obsessed with this stuff.

But it’s not just about the sauce—though that sauce is the chef’s kiss. It’s the story behind it that makes it even sweeter. Cackalacky is a homegrown, family-run brand with deep roots in North Carolina and a whole lotta heart.

It all started over twenty years ago in Chapel Hill, when Caroline was working on her master’s at UNC, and Page Skelton was studying over at North Carolina Central. Back then, grocery store shelves were mostly filled with big-name brands—not much that really captured the flavor or spirit of the South. So they decided to make something that did.

Their first creation? A hot sauce with real backbone. And from there, things just started to grow.

These days, you’ll find Cackalacky products in stores across a dozen states, but the Skeltons have never drifted far from their Carolina roots. Caroline likes to say their mission is to “make the things we love for the people you love,” and you can feel that in every bottle and jar they put their name on.

Of course, like most small businesses, the early years were anything but easy. It was grit, guesswork, and a whole lot of gut instinct. But slowly, the Cackalacky name started to stick. And in 2013, they hit it big with a dream-team partnership: Cheerwine. The result was Cackalacky Sweet Cheerwine Sauce, and y’all—it’s as magical as it sounds. Biscuitville added it to their menu, and next thing you know, it’s on heat-and-serve ribs at Food Lions all over the country.

And they didn’t stop there. Their Carolina Tar Heels BBQ Sauce is now a staple at UNC games, and there’s even a Cackalacky BBQ sandwich you can grab at Kenan Stadium or the Dean Dome. That’s what you call a full-circle moment—right back where the brand got its start.

Cackalacky is still very much a family affair. Page is the creative engine—he handles the branding, social media, and flavor experiments—while Caroline keeps the business side running smooth. Their teenage son Harry is now part of the team, holding down the retail shop in Pittsboro and showing some serious business chops of his own. (Bonus: the kid loves selling their stuff.)

Even with all the growth, they’ve held onto that small-town soul. You’re just as likely to run into the whole crew passing out samples at a festival or farmers market as you are to see their products in big-name stores. That personal connection still means everything to them.

So, what’s next for Cackalacky? Well, they’re keeping those cards close to the vest—but you can bet they’ve got more deliciousness up their sleeves.

In the meantime, go ahead and break up with your store-brand barbecue sauce. Pick up a bottle of Cackalacky and taste what happens when real local love meets bold North Carolina flavor.

Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be hooked too.

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1 Comments

  1. Alyssa wrote:

    This stuff is *so* good! I pop it in every gift basket for friends and family visiting from out of state.

    Published 6.2.25
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