How I Built Mike's Hot Honey Into A $40 Million-A-Year Business

After years of creating and perfecting his hot honey recipe at home, Mike Kurtz brought in a bottle to show his boss, Paulie Gee, while serving as his pizza apprentice. Paulie loved it, and the unique topping quickly became a hit. From there, demand grew and what had started as a hobby for Mike, suddenly picked up steam and is now a full-blown company bringing in $40 million a year.

Produced by: Raffi Paul
Senior Managing Producer: Eric M. Clark
Additional Camera: Mickey Todiwala
Reporter: Nicolas Vega
Edited by: Dennis Donovan
Animator: Gene Kim
Additional Footage: Mike's Hot Honey, Getty Images

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How I Built Mike's Hot Honey Into A $40 Million-A-Year Business

[pauljones]

I love how excited he gets about the hot honey.

It's the people who make businesses and America amazing.

[DGOS]

Someone gifted my household a bottle for the holidays and we haven’t looked back. Honestly I had no clue it was originally made for pizza! We drizzle it on roasted chickpeas

[blondeofthedead]

I first tried this in one of my Hello Fresh meals. It was drizzled on these lemon ricotta flatbreads with roasted Brussels sprouts. I was instantly hooked. I put it on everything now but definitely love it on a thin crust pepperoni pizza. Love Mike’s Hot Honey! ❤

[GratitudeGriot]

my first taste of Mike's Hot Honey was a squeeze packet included with my pizza delivery. I've been hooked ever since!! excellent business model and tasty product!!

[Reylas]

The neon sign is a genius idea. Why are breweries the only one doing that. Good job 👏

[roserose]

Mile ‘s Hot honey - good on waffles - tomato pasta sauce - oatmeal - peaches - mayo - other salad dressings - ham - sautéed veggies - cheese omelette with Brie . . .and still experimenting. Adding it doesn’t necessarily make anything sweet. Just a small amount often just rounds out, or mellows a flavor and adds a little kick. Just the right amount of heat for me.

[pitchforkmechanic]

I just used Mike’s on dinner tonight. I smoked a pork shoulder, then added Mike’s and butter when I wrapped the shoulder in aluminum foil. Even my 6, 5, and 2 year olds loved it.

[bradyb]

That neon sign strategy is really smart and innovative.

It’s so simple. As he says beers do it why can’t others.

[krishydv]

Really impressive and inspiring story a decade worth of hard work and perfecting the recipe.

[donerecooper]

Absolutely loved this episode. I'll definitely just subscribed to the channel. It's super inspiring seeing someone believe in their product wholeheartedly before anyone else does. Having the will to push through adversity isn't for the weak but the Founder Mike did. Kudos mate!

[EdwardIlyasov-sowc]

Crazy story! I also decided to open my pickle business when hiking in a canyon (in peru). Glad to see things are going great! I’m sure we’ll meet soon mike!

[Chase_]

Been put hot sauce and honey on my chicken since I was a kid he turned it into a business 🤦🏾‍♂️

[keithcollins]

Love Mike and Matt! Gave me an opportunity to help them early on - so you guys killed it!

[AJ-xcnm]

I hope that in the future hot honey is as much as a staple to have on the table at pizza places as red pepper flakes and parmesan.

[mariewitzke]

Made sirracha honey chicken stir fry recently with Mike’s hot honey.. the possibilities are truly endless!

[BradMyers-ee]

I make orange chicken from scratch at home, and replaced the sugar with Mike's Extra Hot and was the most delicious version I've had. Thanks Mike.

[michaeltudda]

can't lie I'm a huge fan. The bar I work part time at, we put it on a coconut gelato and its fire. We also drizzle it over summer peaches and burrata, absolute goat of a snack

[andrewleonardi]

i lived close to greenpoint for years around then and the hellboy was my fav pizza by a landslide (even with a 2+ hour wait.) I had absolutely no idea mikes hot started at paulie gee's!

[chawnski]

Saw this and immediately went to get hot honey & a pepperoni pizza. Life changed forever!

[SirD]

Beautiful story. I will definitely be buying this. All the best Mike!