During the year 2020, local entrepreneur and U.S. veteran, Rodney Patterson, made his debut as Mr. U.F.O and began a business journey by creating a universal sauce that’s truly out-of-this-world. During the final stages of seeking USDA approval as an all- purpose product, Patterson gave the sauce a legendary name to honor two incredible people, his late sister and best friend, Pam Patterson, and Eric Desean Davis A.K.A Magic.
After creating and bottling up his first recipe, Patterson has since earned a spot on the shelves of over 10 Georgia stores, all of which he’s been selling out. These stores include but aren’t limited too; Lanier IGA in Portal, Ellis Meat Market in Statesboro, DNR Grocery in Metter, Metter Food Market, A & E Graphics, Metter Farm Products, Metter Farmers Market, Toms Pawn in Metter, Wild Georgia Safari Park, Grandy’s Truck Stop, Twin City Piggly Wiggly, Dublin Piggly Wiggly, Soperton Piggly Wiggly, Wrightsville Piggly Wiggly, Sunoco, Pinetucky County Meats, Pats Country Store, and the Penny Saver in Kite.
“I began this journey on the side of the road. I was making my sauces and BBQ whatever way I could and selling it to friends and neighbors here in town. It’s a God given vision. I didn’t get here by mistake.” Said Patterson
Just like those first humbling days, Patterson continues to feed thousands of hungry mouths every year as they travel through our neck of the woods. However, he has since made a national name for himself as his original flavors of home have reached a store in every state, with his most recent venture being the Neighbors Express Gas Stations and Convenience Stores of which Pam’s Magic Sauce has become the official sauce of the franchise.
“They plan to place a banner up in their stores that says, ‘Home of the Sauce that won the South.’” explained Patterson, “They will not only have it for purchase within their stores, but the sauces will also be available in their deli as a condiment option.”
Patterson additionally shared that Sunoco Gas Stations and Convenience Stores have also aggreed to a contract with Pam’s Magic Sauce and will begin selling his newest creation of Superb Pizza & Magic Wings and Things. These new, tasty products will be offered in the deli section of their stores in the upcoming year. As Patterson talked about this exciting new journey, he also sentimentally discussed the history he and Pam’s Magic Sauce have with the franchise.
“Sunoco in Twin City gave me the first opportunity I ever had to sell my sauce to the public. For that, I’ll forever be grateful for them.” Patterson said with a soft smile.
Currently in the works for Pam’s Magic Sauce is their Famous Cheese Sauce that will be hitting the shelves very soon, as well as Pam’s Peach Vinaigrette and Pam’s Magic Butter Sauce that will be the perfect addition to any seafood meal. Patterson also shared an upcoming event that he has planned for Emanuel County as well as an exciting new adventure.
“On September 2, 2023, Pam’s magic Sauce will be hosting the first quarterly South Georgia BBQ Cookoff in Swainsboro.” He said, “This event will be held at the Jaycee Fairgrounds from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the entry fee will be $20 for adults and $10 for kids. It’s a $300 entry for contestants and $100 for vendors. There will be three cash prices for the winners with the first prize winner receiving $750, the second prize winner receiving $250, and the third prize winner receiving $150.”
To reserve your spot for the BBQ competition, please contact Patterson by phone at (478) 299-2864 or through his Facebook page at Rod Pat.
Patterson also plans to give a $500 scholarship to a rising senior of the 2024 graduation year. To enter, applicants must include a letter of recommendation showing proof of volunteer service within their community. They will also need to submit a 500-word essay describing how they plan to make a positive impact on their community, and furthermore will need to provide a copy of their last report card for their proof of promotion to the twelfth grade. Scholarship Essay submissions can be sent to shanellecarr@gmail.com.
On October 1, 2023, Patterson will be taking Pam’s Magic Sauce on the Road for eight months in support of the non-profit organization, WalkforVets.org. The reason for the tour is to raise awareness to the plight of Veterans, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), addiction, homelessness, benefits, and the epidemic of suicide among service members and our veterans.
“We will be traveling along the coast with the vets as they begin their walk from Key-West Florida to Forks Washington. We plan to end the tour on June 14, 2024.”
During this time, Patterson will be traveling with his food-truck giving each state a taste of Swainsboro while also providing meals for the dedicated men and women who are walking to raise awareness for this incredible cause. If you would like to send donations to show your support to WalkforVets.org, you can do so by visiting the website and contributing there. You can additionally send donations to Mr. UFO – Rod Patterson, for his contributions to our service men and women as they make this walk by donating to his cashapp at $UFO2020. Every donation helps provide the meals that he makes for these incredible, deserving people.
“It takes so much to break a product. I tell everyone how big each moment is because it took a lot of dedicated time and hard work to get there.” Explained Patterson, “The love has been phenomenal. To everyone who has helped me get this far, I can’t thank you guys enough! The world is going to see the Sauce that’s winning the south.”
