NC Made: The Inspiring Journey of Danny B’s Pimento Cheese
When you think of quintessential Southern delicacies, pimento cheese undoubtedly ranks at the top, hailed affectionately as "Southern Caviar." In Cary, North Carolina, this beloved spread has evolved from humble kitchen origins into a booming business, thanks to the remarkable journey of Danny Barnes, a Fayetteville local who took a bold leap into entrepreneurship.
From Employee to Entrepreneur: A Leap of Faith
In 2017, while working at Food Lion, Barnes had a fateful encounter with a customer seeking mild red peppers for a homemade pimento cheese. Intrigued yet not particularly fond of the dish at the time, he decided to experiment with his own recipe. Fast forward to today: Danny B’s Pimento Cheese is not just a culinary creation, but a local phenomenon!
Barnes found inspiration in unexpected places, and after perfecting his recipe, feedback from family and friends was overwhelmingly positive. “Everybody that tried it said, ‘You could sell this,’" he recalls. With encouragement, he began selling his unique version at a butcher shop in Dunn, marking the beginning of an incredible journey that would see his product roll into approximately 250 Food Lion locations. "It’s been a pretty amazing ride," Barnes reminisces.
The Birth of a Festival
North Carolina celebrates its love for pimento cheese with an annual Pimento Cheese Festival, the first of its kind in the country, held in the heart of Cary. In its seventh year, this special event showcases the creativity surrounding this iconic dish, proving that pimento cheese is much more than just an appetizer.
What to Expect at the Festival
This year’s Pimento Cheese Festival takes place on April 12 from 11 AM to 4 PM at Downtown Cary Park. Attendees can indulge in offerings from 35 food trucks, each required to serve at least three pimento cheese dishes. The culinary creativity is astoundingly diverse, ranging from pimento cheese beer to tantalizing pimento cheese brownies. “I’ve eaten one, it’s delicious. Trust me, you should go and get one,” Barnes encourages festival-goers.
The Many Faces of Pimento Cheese
Despite the playful misconceptions about what constitutes pimento cheese, the ingredient list is relatively simple: cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, often garnished with an array of spices and add-ins to elevate the taste. Fans like Eileen Lader express their love for the dish, stating, "I love it. I like spicy, regular, and all kinds."
Even those less familiar with pimento cheese are drawn in by its creamy texture and versatility. Joy Ennis describes it as a delightful mix, "Cheese, all kinds of cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and then any sort of add-ins you want."
A Southern Staple Reinvented
Pimento cheese illustrates the endless potential of Southern cuisine, evolving with each dish and festival iteration. Whether enjoyed on a cracker, a sandwich, or even creatively concocted into a gourmet ice cream, its texture and flavor have captured the hearts—and taste buds—of many.
As Danny B’s Pimento Cheese continues to delight taste buds across North Carolina, it stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community support in building a thriving business.
Discover More NC Made Stories
If you’re hungry for more local flavors, check out these remarkable North Carolina made stories:
- Michael’s Seafood – World Winning Seafood Chowder
- Ky’s Kandles – From Researcher to Candle Maker
- Bofemme – Self-Expression Through Unique Products
For a delightful food experience that embodies the spirit of North Carolina, visit the Pimento Cheese Festival, or grab a tub of Danny B’s—it might just become your new favorite dip!
