Brotherhood, Tailgating, and a Better Recipe: How Two Penn State Pals Built a Business
It was in the late 90’s, in a small town called State College, when Shawn Hennigan and Andrew Goldberg first met at Penn State University as members of the ACACIA fraternity. Shawn studied Hospitality Management, and Andrew majored in Turfgrass Science, but both shared a passion for cooking and tailgating, especially on those magical football weekends. After college, their paths split as they pursued their professional careers. Shawn moved through Pittsburgh, New York, Connecticut, Boston, and back to State College. Andrew’s work took him to New Jersey, Philadelphia, Denver, and also back to State College, living just a few houses away from Shawn in the same neighborhood. A friendship had rekindled, and it was clear the two had both developed an intense entrepreneurial spirit since their days in college.
The year was now 2011, and Shawn accepted a new job in Greensboro, NC. Andrew had moved back to Philadelphia, where he met and married his wife, Jaime, and had also started a food vending business called Founding Fathers BBQ. Around this time, Andrew also started hosting large tailgate parties at Penn State football games, where he’d feature a variety of grilled and smoked meats. When his schedule permitted, Shawn would travel in from NC to take part in the action. Since tailgates start in the morning, Bloody Mary’s were always a part of the festivities!
Fast forward to 2019, and Andrew and his wife also moved to North Carolina, and as luck would have it, settled in just twenty minutes down the road from Shawn. The two friends picked up right where they left off and started hosting backyard grilling parties and trying new recipes together. One day, they made a Bloody Mary using an old family recipe. They both agreed it was very good, but believed they could make it even better, and strived to create something special. A Bloody Mary Mix that can be enjoyed sipping, with or without spirits, or even used for grilling. They spent long hours tasting different versions, changing ingredients, and fine-tuning the flavors until they created a mix they truly loved.
When they shared it with friends, everyone raved about it. That excitement led them to decide to bottle their creation. Just three months later, they were producing their first two hundred gallons. Today, Gold Hen is a locally owned company based in Clayton, North Carolina, and their mix is one of only a few in the state to be certified by the Agricultural Departments as “Got to be NC” approved. They chose the name Gold Hen because it combines parts of their last names: Gold from Goldberg and Hen from Hennigan. They wanted something personal that would also catch people’s attention. For the logo, they created a fun, wild-looking gold hen wearing glasses, which perfectly matched their energetic style.
Sweet Up Front, Heat on the Finish: The Unique Flavor That Makes Gold Hen Stand Out
Gold Hen comes in a 32-ounce glass bottle, always delivering the same bold flavor. The mix starts with a unique sweetness derived from organic coconut sugar and honey, contains the usual suspects like horseradish, Worcestershire, and citrus, and then finishes with a nice kick from cayenne pepper and Texas Pete hot sauce. This creates their signature “Sweet with a Little Heat” flavor profile.
What truly makes this mix special is the use of only high-quality ingredients, enabling it to be used in a variety of food dishes instead of just cocktails. Gold Hen shines in the kitchen! People use it to make crab cakes, chili, steak, shrimp, wings, and even a tasty vinaigrette dressing. When used in the traditional manner for a Bloody Mary, it pairs perfectly with vodka or gin. If tequila is the spirit of choice, a Bloody Maria with a Blanco or Reposado is exceptional. More of a beer drinker? Mix Gold Hen with a Mexican lager for a killer Michelada. No alcohol? No problem! Gold Hen is enjoyed by many as an incredible mocktail.
Friendship, Passion, and Big Dreams: Inspiring Others While Growing a National Brand
Gold Hen currently sells directly and through distributors to many different places, such as gift shops, hardware stores, bars, restaurants, beer stores, liquor stores, and golf courses. The mix contains no alcohol, so customers can easily add their favorite spirit if desired. Bottles can also be purchased online at www.goldhenllc.com, as Gold Hen now ships to all 50 states!
Gold Hen also sponsors specific shows and podcasts to spread the word about their product and connect with the community. Their journey shows what can happen when friends with shared passion work together. Shawn often says that if you love something and can build it alongside great friends, the result feels truly magical.
They hope to inspire others to chase their dreams the same way by turning a simple idea into something real through hard work and teamwork. They also want people to discover how versatile Bloody Mary mix can be, whether enjoyed as a classic cocktail, a spirited variation, a refreshing mocktail, or a secret weapon for grilling and cooking.
Looking to the future, Shawn Hennigan and Andrew Goldberg plan to grow Gold Hen into a well-known national brand while keeping that warm, local feel. They want their mix to become a go-to choice for anyone who loves bold flavors, whether behind the bar or in the kitchen. By focusing on quality, versatility, and the power of friendship, Gold Hen continues to stand out and build a bright path ahead.
Gold Hen Bloody Mary Mix and all of their amazing recipes can be found online at www.goldhenllc.com.
