D.C.’s most famous sauce is coming to a city near you!
Washington, D.C.’s Capital City mambo sauce has expanded to KFC.
Arsha Jones is the CEO and co-founder of Capital City, LLC., a company that produces mambo sauce, a beloved D.C. condiment. She founded the company in 2011 alongside her late husband Charles after noticing it was hard to get her hands on the sauce once she moved to the suburbs. A decade later, Jones’ special brand of the sweet, spicy and tangy chicken wing sauce can be found in stores across the country. Now, Jones has partnered with KFC to bring her Sweet Hot Capital City mambo sauce to select restaurants in the Washington, D.C., Dallas and Atlanta areas.
“KFC has given Capital City a huge opportunity to highlight a culture that many don’t get a chance to experience. When visitors think of Washington, D.C., they envision museums, government and politics, but there’s a huge community just beyond those few blocks that has a rich history filled with styles, music, lingo and food all our own. We are proud to be able to partner with KFC to share our culture with more people,” Jones said via statement.
Mambo sauce first popped up in kitchens in the District in the 1950s, becoming a cultural staple in Black D.C. food. It gained even more popularity during the 1970s and 80s when Chinese and Korean carryout began carrying the sweet hot sauce in their restaurants. The mission of Jones’ company is to preserve that legacy and expand the quintessential D.C. sauce to a larger audience. The new partnership with KFC not only fulfills that obligation but allows a limited test run of the product flavor profile for KFC lovers.
KFC president Kevin Hochman spoke about the significance of the partnership, saying, “Arsha has created a successful business with this ridiculously delicious sauce, and we are proud to partner with her to give even more people a chance to try it. You have to try Capital City mambo sauce to understand how amazing it tastes, and it’s a terrific match with our world-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken!”
Capital City mambo sauce will be available at select restaurants in the D.C., Dallas and Atlanta areas. Customers can choose from several meal options to try the new sauce including the KFC Chicken Sandwich Combo, the 4-piece Extra Crispy Tenders Combo and the 2-piece Extra Crispy Breast & Wing Combo. A side of Sweet Hot Capital City mambo sauce can also be added to any menu item for an extra charge.
Jones took to social media to share the good news and thank all of her supporters, writing, “When we started this business 10 years ago, I don’t think a day (or opportunity) like this ever crossed our minds. We simply wanted to turn a sauce we loved into a national brand, while showing our hometown the love (and respect) it deserves…We want to thank all of you. It doesn’t matter if you are one of our ride or die supporters who have been with us since day one or a new customer we’ve gained since then. We wouldn’t be here without you.”
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The Sweet Hot Capital City mambo sauce is available to select KFC restaurants now!
Congratulations Arsha! Because of you, we can!
Photo Courtesy of Arsha Jones