What Works: Southern Spices Make Your Table “Spicier”

Mobile, Alabama (WKRGMore)– A local businessman wants to spice up his life in the kitchen. He launched his own spice brand called Southern Spice. Marcus Oakes says he launched the brand four years ago, but it has taken off. By adding flavor, he wants to make the food more exciting.

Oakes says it took a year of research to come up with the blend of 15 herbs and spices.

“It took a lot of research, a lot of back-and-forth, and experimentation to get the ingredients before we put anything on the table,” Oakes said.

Oakes started cooking as a child. He comes from a family of 6 children. His mom made sure the kids knew their way around the kitchen.

“I used to fight all the time over putting meat tenderizer on chicken and pork chops,” Oakes said. “I won’t let anyone else do the job.”

Oakes’ wife, Stephanie Shepherd Oakes, is the company’s administrator and Marcus’ biggest supporter. She says he’s the best cook she knows. She knew he would be successful with his line of spices.

“He’s the brains behind all this,” Stephanie said. “I’m kind of like, ‘Go, go, go!’ Whatever he wants to do, I will reach for what he needs. ”

After a year of research in a test kitchen, Oaks says he launched the brand with just $600 in his pocket. His products are now in his 86 stores in the Southeast, he says.

“You’ll be very happy with the taste,” Oakes said.

He hopes his spices will gather his family around the dinner table to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal.

If you want to know more about where to buy Southern Spices, click here.