We had the good fortune of connecting with Clinton Nelson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clinton, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I finally believed in myself that I could make it happen. The lockdown in 2020 got me thinking about what I want to do different at this pivotal time. I felt that I had developed my skills well enough to put out my ideas in ways that I hadn’t yet tried, Through my experiences with boxing, music, and other hobbies that I had taken interest to in the past, I finally understood that I had the power to make something happen and that I finally had a bigger vision for the future.

What should our readers know about your business?
Knockout Tastes is a unique, up and coming food company which specializes in premium salsas with flavor that packs a punch. Created by myself, a local chef, competitive boxer and coach with the idea of combining my two passions for the culinary arts and fighting. Knockout Tastes Salsas are prepared with the highest quality organic ingredients and made with love from our kitchen to yours. We aim to provide the community a culinary experience harvesting Latin traditions that nurtures the taste buds and uplifts the human spirit. Knockout Tastes was crafted with the intention of redefining the way we have traditionally used and interacted with Salsa. Our vision was to get people excited again about Salsa; to reimagine Salsa as not just a dip but a condiment that compliments so many other meals in our everyday use.

I’ve been working in the culinary industry for 14 years now.. During the lockdown of 2020 I found myself able to dedicate more time in the kitchen; experimenting with new recipes, I decided to bring a different approach to your basic store bought Salsa. After sharing a few batches with family and friends, the positive feedback was reassuring enough to inspire me to pursue Knockout Tastes and start selling my salsas.

On my 33rd Birthday, a year after starting Knockout Tastes, my brother Grant surprised me with an LLC for the company and we became business partners. From what began with selling to friends and family by word of mouth, quickly evolved into an online store with a larger outreach and then progressed into acquiring a booth at the Burlingame Farmers Market. In addition to the farmer’s market, we are currently in the process of distributing our salsas to local store fronts.

The journey along the way hasn’t been easy. With the California food laws there were multiple obstacles to overcome in acquiring the proper permits and licenses. A devotion of time and energy went into the process of becoming an official licensed food distribution company. As with any start up, marketing has been a challenge to get our name out there in ways that are original and memorable. Luckily with Grant’s background in business management, sales and video editing, we have been able to expand our outreach by advertising on popular social media sites such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook; which has had a profound effect on garnishing more attention and gaining more exposure.

Since the creation of Knockout Tastes, I’ve had to find balance in my schedule to still train, coach and run the business. Everyday is a challenge but we manage to accomplish our daily goals. I’ve learned to properly budget for inventory, and new approaches towards marketing as well as self promoting. We are elated to fill a niche in the market and revive salsa as a more exciting universally used condiment. Knockout Tastes has allowed me to create a long term vision for my future that I hope will have an impact in the food industry as well as community for years to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Places to eat breakfast

-Denica’s in Castro Valley ( a family owned Mexican inspired breakfast restaurant with an amazing bakery.

– Buck’s Breakfast, Great food with great scenery in a historic city, Woodside, California

Lunch Spots

– Taqueria El Farolito in the mission in San Francisco specializes in amazing quality burritos.

– Vegan Mob a delicious wholesome southern food restaurant with a vegan twist.

– Sams on Broadway , known for good burgers and fun bar food, located in San Francisco..

– Mr. Pickles is a great deli to grab and go with a variety of options and flavorful sandwich sauces in San Mateo Ca.

Dinner Restaurants

– For finer dining and live jazz music, as well as good drinks check out Bix on Gold St in SF

– La Ciicca is a very popular romantic Italian restaurant in SF.

– Rooftop 25 is a high end restaurant with gorgeous rooftop views in San Francisco and beautifully plated meals.

Good Vibes and entertainment

I would recommend Vesuvios Cafe in North Beach SF to enjoy refreshing and innovative cocktails in this historic building located on a busy street worth many things to do in walking distance.

If your a rock fan like myself and my friends, you would enjoy a special small live music venue called Bottom of the Hill located on 17th St in San Francisco. It has a quirky fun atmosphere, great live performances and a cute outdoor patio.

Eli’s Mile High Club is a bustling bar with Cajun cuisine and live bands. Great beer, and a cool atmosphere situated in Oakland Ca.

If you enjoy a good laugh, Cobbs Comedy Club in SF never disappoints. If your looking to be humored and enjoy being entertained by some of the best comics out there, then Cobbs is the place to be for a night full of heavy bellied laughs.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Big shout out to the family first! This all came together when my brother wanted to be my business partner. This is a family affair. Our parents, our sister, our relatives have all played significant roles to help our growth. Shout out to my girlfriend who has helped me in the kitchen, at the farmers market, and for providing so much support. Shout out to my home gym B Street Boxing in San Mateo! Boxing changed my life and I’m a better person because of Eddie Croft, Fred Silva, and the many other fighters and friends of the community in the gym. Thank you everyone!

Website: www.knockouttastes.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/knockouttastes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Knockouttastes/

Other: TicTok: @KnockoutTastes Clinton’s IG: @c.nel_kotastes Grant’s IG: @granntel

Image Credits
USA Boxing photo by Jacob Hammond

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