The story of I&J’s Signature Sauces begins with love and family—specifically, the day Jerry, who enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1986, met Ilka, a university student from Colon, Panama. A year later, Jerry and Ilka were married, and soon after that, their son, Mike, and their daughter, Nichole, were born.

From the start, the Frantz family lived, worked, and traveled the world together, as the Navy carried them to nearly every corner of the globe. From the United States and Canada to Latin America and the Caribbean, from the rich cultures of Asia to the vibrant islands of the Pacific, each place left a distinctive mark and brought new experiences, friendships, and flavors into their lives.

Latin America instilled in them a love for the habanero pepper and bold, vibrant herbs. The Caribbean taught them about pairing heat with soul. Asia introduced them to balance and depth, while India layered spice with complexity and harmony. In every port and every home, food became a way for them to connect with people and cultures—experiences that left a lasting impression on both their lives and their kitchen tables.

In 2018, while living in South Korea, Ilka asked Jerry if he could make a hot sauce like the one from her childhood in Panama. Jerry had never made hot sauce before, but he wanted to give Ilka a taste of home. His first attempt was far from perfect, but he kept experimenting, adding herbs and spices they had discovered over decades of travel. Slowly, the sauce transformed—becoming fragrant, colorful, and full of flavor, with just the right balance of heat.

When Ilka tasted it, she loved it. When her brother in Panama tried it and said it was even better than the well-known brand from home, Jerry knew they had created something truly special.

What began as a family’s journey has grown into a passion for sharing those flavors with the world. More than just sauce, it’s a family’s story—born from service, travel, family, and love, and hand-crafted to be shared at your table.