Chesnee couple turns passion for cooking into a business with Ed’s All Purpose Seasoning and Rub
Ed and Ysante McDowell first walked the aisle together at their wedding in 1999. Ten years later, they walked the aisle again, this time as graduates of Spartanburg Community College. Now, the Chesnee couple is moving quickly down the entrepreneurial aisle as the owners of Ed’s All Purpose Seasoning and Rub, LLC.
A former employee of the City of Spartanburg, Ed attended night classes at SCC to earn a certificate in HVAC Technology. Ysante attended day classes, earning a certificate as an administrative specialist.
“We knew there was more to life and more that we wanted for our children,” Ysante says. But neither could have dreamed that Ed’s love of cooking would lead them to owning and growing their own business.
“I love cooking and I wanted something different from your basic salt and pepper, and something that is good for your body, as well,” Ed said. “I got in there and started messing around and Ed’s All Purpose was born.”
It started with Ed’s Original All Purpose Seasoning and Rub distributed in small bags. Today, the line includes Ed’s Kickin’ Carolina, Ed’s Southwest Seasoning, Ed’s MoJo, Ed’s Garlic, Ed’s Lemon Pepper Garlic and Ed’s Exclusive – all sold in 5 oz. bottles.
The low-to-no sodium products are gluten free and contain no MSG. And Ysante is quick to remind consumers that Ed’s products are flavor enhancers rather than seasoning salts.
From seafood and meats to vegetables and popcorn, the foods that Ed’s All Purpose goes on makes a long and varied list, the couple said.
“I’m blown away by the things people say they use these on,” Ed said. “People continue to inspire me to come up with more and more, and there are some others I’m planning to come out with.”
Consumers can purchase Ed’s All Purpose seasonings and rubs online at Walmart.com and Amazon. You can also find Ed’s at locations across the Upstate including:
- Ballew’s Produce, Spartanburg
- Biggerstaff Grocer, Spartanburg
- Garner’s Natural Foods, Spartanburg
- IGA, Pacolet
- Jimmy’s Fresh Air Galaxy, Union
- Sunnydale Meats, Gaffney
- The Country Meat Center, Woodruff
- Aquanut Pool Care, Greer
- New York Butcher Shoppe, Woodruff Road, Greer
In North Carolina, Ed’s is available at Wells Family Meat Market in Forest City and The Butcher’s Market of Charlotte. And in 2020, Aramark began using Ed’s Garlic and Ed’s Kickin’ Carolina on the campus of Clemson University.
As they continue to grow the brand, the McDowells are hoping to get Ed’s on the shelves of a major grocery chain. And an Ed’s food truck also is in the works.
Your Carolina’s Jamarcus Gaston with Ed and Ysante McDowell.
“When we first started, I didn’t think it would grow to where it is now,” Ed said. “All I can say is ‘to be continued’ because there is still more to come.”
For more information, follow Ed’s All Purpose Seasoning and Rub @EdandYsant2016 on Facebook and @edsallpurposeseasoningandrub on Instagram.
