Our Story
A chance encounter with the best BBQ sauce he’d ever tasted led Steve Valenta, Papa Valachy’s founder, to create some of the most amazing sauces on the market. Over seven years ago, Steve was on a fishing trip in northern Minnesota and stopped by a restaurant out in the boondocks. That night, BBQ chicken was on special and it was the most incredible sauce Steve had ever tasted. After convincing the owner to sell him the recipe, Steve began tweaking and perfecting the recipe while carefully taking in customer feedback. The result? A complete line of distinct flavors that are hailed by pit masters and competition BBQ professionals.
About Steve Valenta
Today, Steve’s product line has grown into a full family of flavors.
What began with one unforgettable BBQ sauce has expanded into six award-winning BBQ sauces and four unique seasonings and rubs. His signature Secret Weapon Seasoning quickly became a fan favorite—perfect for popcorn, meat, vegetables, and just about anything under the sun.
The Sweet & Sour sauce was the next flavor Steve brought to market after realizing he couldn’t find a great American-style version anywhere. The response to each new product has been tremendous.
As an avid fisherman, Steve didn’t stop at sauces. He began experimenting with a dry coating for fish, pork tenderloins, and anything suited for deep frying or air frying. From that vision, FryTastic was born.
Steve’s passion and growing customer base eventually led him to advertise on the national fishing show Angler’s Edge, beginning in 2026.
Most recently, Steve partnered with a regional chip company to create Secret Weapon Kettle Chips, made with his very own seasoning blend. They’re currently available only at local farmers markets, with plans for wider distribution.
And the brand continues to grow—Papa Valachy products are now beginning to appear on shelves at Ace Hardware stores as the company expands into the grilling and smoking market nationwide.
With all our love and sauce, Steve and Laura
About The Name
In 1972 The Valachi Papers starring Charles Bronson hit theaters. Steve’s buddies began calling him Valachy as it was close to his last name, Valenta. Upon graduating from college at Mankato State University, Steve started up an Italian restaurant called the Italian Place. After more space opened up adjacent to the restaurant two years later, Valachy’s Peanut Bar was born. The name “Papa Valachy” combines Steve’s childhood nickname with an Italian gangster character from the Italian Place.