The Matthews’ Recipe: Built on Generosity, Bottled with Heart
Tim and Lynn Matthews are the kind of people who quietly make the world better just by showing up — whether it's in their church, a community fundraiser, or their kitchen.
Their story isn’t flashy. It’s stitched together with small, steady acts of love: volunteering at their church, attending every school field trip and birthday party, and keeping the door open for neighbors, friends, and anyone in need of a good meal. For them, giving back has never been a decision — it's instinct.
The roots of this legacy run deep in Tim as some of his most powerful childhood memories come from helping his father deliver Christmas gifts and food to families in need. But they didn’t just drop off packages — they brought hope and kindness. Those simple acts shaped his worldview and his place in it. His dad didn’t seek recognition; he just believed that if you can help someone, you should. That philosophy has been a guiding light through every chapter of Tim's life.
Lynn’s path naturally aligned with Tim’s. As a stay-at-home mom, she poured her energy into her family — the first to chaperone, lend a hand, and ensure no child was left out. After her children started school, she went to work at SAS, a company known for its strong culture of volunteerism. There, she found new ways to give back, volunteering at the Food Bank in Raleigh and serving meals at a local church. She and Tim created a home anchored in compassion, inclusion, and generosity — a place where everyone felt welcome.
Lid Licking Sauce was born from that same spirit.
Barn-bred experiments morphed into barbecue gold, thanks to a chorus of friends and family urging, “You’ve gotta bottle this!” — and a granddaughter declaring the sauce “good enough to
lick the lid!” Before long, what began as simple ingredients became a reflection of the Matthews’ story: how love, shared meals, and community always have a place at the table.
As for the secret ingredient?
From day one, philanthropy has been folded into every batch. Because for Tim and Lynn, feeding people has never just been about food — it’s about showing up, lifting others, and building a stronger community with every bite.
Where It All Began
From community events to backyard barbecues, I’ve always been a top chef. Slow-cooking over a hot grill is my sport of choice, and chicken, ribs, and brisket are my favorite games. I whipped up this homemade sauce to put my own spin on the spread, and requests started pouring in by the pint.
My inner circle encouraged me to bottle the hobby into a full-blown business—with my grandchildren declaring the sauce “good enough to lick the lid!” Just when I thought they were blowing smoke, a friend with a lifelong distaste for barbecue requested it by the gallon!
I guess I better get more lids.
If philanthropy were an ingredient, it would be the star of this sauce. Helping those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities by supporting the Special Olympics and Civitan Club lights a fire in my soul similar to the one in my kitchen. Featured here on our label is North Carolinian Clay Popa, a fierce sauce lover whose neurodiversity we celebrate loud and proud.
Our smoky Carolina Sweet Heat is the perfect marriage of vinegary tang, molasses magic, and savory spice. I hope you love it as much as we do.
Don’t forget to lick the lid.
Our Partners & Friends
We are proud to partner with Mary Angelini, co-founder of Gabi’s! She was disheartened when she realized that no one would hire her daughter, even though she’s full of energy, loves to serve, and is one of the hardest workers she knows.
Sadly, this is something that happens all too often to adults with special abilities—only 18% are employed. That’s why Gabi and Mary partnered on a mission to change that. Together, they created two nonprofit companies, Gabi’s Grounds and Gabi’s PALS, where they now employ over 40 amazing individuals with special abilities. We are thankful to call Gabi's our partner as we shine a light on inclusivity and philanthropy through Lid Licking Sauce!