Chris Whitehair

Meet Chris

Title: Owner, Flower City Flavor Company and Death By Chili Sauce

Location: Rochester, NY

Education: BFA, Syracuse University

Expertise: Hot sauce, olive oil, Balsamic vinegar, BBQ Sauce, condiments, seasonings, small-batch foods, e-commerce, retail sales, product development, business collaborations, search engine optimization

A Rochester, NY native, Chris attended Syracuse University, graduating in 2008. Early in his career, he worked on numerous feature film projects in addition to serving and managing restaurants.

Along with his friends and business partners Benny Howard and Munjal Yagnik, Chris co-founded a film production company in 2010. In addition, Chris has eight years of professional digital marketing experience and currently works as a Senior SEO Specialist at the largest marketing and advertising agency in Rochester.

Inspired by three of his family member’s restaurants, Chris returns to the world of food to keep his family tradition moving forward.

Chris lives with his fiancée and daughter in Perinton, NY, a suburb of the Flower City. He enjoys watching football, a good adult cocktail, grilling, and spending time with his four nephews and three nieces. Chris never missed Sunday brunch at his Grandparent’s house.

Favorites:

Foods: I don’t have it as often as I would like, but my favorite meal is Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo. Also, cheese is something I’ll never give up. Pizza and wings will always make me happy. My Grandma and Grandpa’s pasta sauce – I sadly will never have it again, but I will never forget it.

Hot Sauce: Death By Chili Sauce—this was the truth before I bought the brand! The Original is absolute perfection. Without bias, I love PepperNutz Roasted Red Pepper, Karma Sauce Smokey Karma, Doc’s Fusion Fuel, and High Desert Tikk-Hot Masala.

BBQ Sauce: It’s not a commercial sauce, but a friend of mine’s uncle makes the best! I hope to bring it to market.

Small Batch & Gourmet Food Experience:

Minor in Hospitality Management at Syracuse University. Has worked in Front of House and Back of House in restaurants. Grew up around the restaurant industry. Family members own and have owned various restaurants in the Rochester, NY area, including Mama Rosa’s Restaurant, Clemente’s, Jozeppi’s Pizzeria, and Rosie’s Italian Cafe. Chris purchased Death By Chili Sauce in 2024. Has sampled over 500 hot sauces.

Education:

Chris graduated from Syracuse University with a BFA in Film Production and a Minor in Hospitality Management.

Chris Whitehair in the Media

December 28th, 2019 – Chris interviewed on the WHAM 1180 Food and Wine Show hosted by Pauly Guglielmo.

November 10th, 2022: Flower City Flavor Company was mentioned on Fox Rochester as one of the other sponsors for the Inner Loop Blog Spicy Roast Battle.

March 13th, 2024: Flower City Flavor Company is featured, with multiple quotes from Chris, in Food Processing Magazine: Co-Branding Brings Recognition, Expands Market.

June 14th, 2024: Press Release – Flower City Flavor Company Supports New York Food Bank with $2000 Donation.

July 25th, 2025: Cited as the primary source in the article “Aioli Leaving A Bitter Taste In Your Mouth? Here’s What You’re Doing Wrong”.