Inspiring Conversations with Michelle Davidson of Cooper’s Small Batch Gourmet Provisions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Davidson.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
“Cooper’s Small Batch really started out of necessity — and from my husband John’s passion as a chef who loves making everything from scratch. Back in 2007, we owned a restaurant, and we just couldn’t find a hot sauce that truly worked with our food. Most of what was out there was either too vinegary, too salty, or so spicy that just a couple of drops would completely overpower a dish.

Since everything in our kitchen was made from scratch, John didn’t love the idea of bringing in a commercial hot sauce. He figured, ‘Why not make our own?’ So he went into the kitchen and started experimenting — and that’s where it all began. Cooper’s Small Batch was born, named after our son, Cooper.

From day one, John has made every single batch himself, right in-house. That’s always been important to us because it ensures we maintain the highest standards of flavor and quality. It also gives us the flexibility to create custom sauces, manage our packaging closely, and grow in a way that never compromises what makes our sauces special.

What started as a small solution for our restaurant has grown into a brand built on passion, flavor, and integrity — and we couldn’t be prouder of that journey.”

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“Honestly, it hasn’t always been smooth. When we owned the restaurant, John and I didn’t work day-to-day together — we each had our own roles. While I was working full-time in sales, John ran the day-to-day operations at the restaurant. I helped out when I could, mostly with back-end things like marketing, helping with the hot sauce packaging, and even selling at the farmers market.

When we jumped into Cooper’s Small Batch, it was a whole new challenge — learning to work with your husband every single day, figuring out who handles what, and balancing our strengths and weaknesses. We’ve had plenty of disagreements, and there were definitely times we looked at each other and thought, ‘Maybe we should just close this down.’

But each time, we pushed through. Those moments forced us to communicate better, define our roles more clearly, and grow as both partners and business owners. While it’s been tough at times, I think those challenges have made the business stronger and more meaningful to us. That’s really what Cooper’s Small Batch is all about — a family-owned, small business built with passion, flavor, and heart.”

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
“Cooper’s Small Batch is a spicy lifestyle brand — but really, it’s a way of life. We started in 2007 making hot sauce for our restaurant because we couldn’t find anything that truly worked with our food. Over time, it’s grown into handcrafted seasonings and spicy non-alcoholic cocktail mixers, all designed to bring bold, balanced flavor into everyday life.

We specialize in products that enhance food and drinks without overpowering them. That’s what we’re known for — chef-driven, small-batch sauces and seasonings made with care and intention. John, being a chef, still makes every batch by hand, which ensures quality, balance, and flavor in everything we produce.

What sets us apart is our combination of craftsmanship, creativity, and a family-owned, hands-on approach. We’re not just creating products — we’re creating experiences. A drizzle of hot sauce on tacos, a pinch of seasoning on vegetables, or a splash of one of our mixers in a mocktail — all moments meant to inspire enjoyment and connection.

What I’m most proud of is that Cooper’s Small Batch has become a brand people trust and love, one that reflects our values and our passion for quality. Food and drinks are personal, but they’re also meant to be shared. That’s what we do in our house, and that’s what we want to bring to others: helping people create memories and moments, whether at home alone or with friends and family.

At the heart of it, Cooper’s Small Batch is a family-owned small business with a mission to bring joy, creativity, and a little spice into everyday life — one handcrafted bottle at a time.”

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
“I’m a native of Colorado, growing up in the Aurora area. It’s been amazing to watch what was once a small Rocky Mountain city grow into a bustling metropolis, with people moving here from all over. What I love about Denver is how it celebrates creativity and supports small businesses. Street fairs, local events, and farmers markets provide entrepreneurs with meaningful opportunities to connect with the community — and that’s exactly the energy we embrace. For us, it’s not just about selling a product; it’s about sharing a spicy lifestyle that we’ve built through our products. Those connections often turn into friendships, and it’s incredible to see our brand become part of people’s moments — from fun meals with friends to cozy dinners at home.

What I like least… the city is growing so fast, and with growth come challenges like traffic, rising costs, and increased competition for attention. But even with those challenges, the heart of Denver, and the state of Colorado — its people, creativity, and sense of community — makes it a place we’re proud to call home and grow our business.”

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.cooperssmallbatch.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooperssmallbatch