Clearmont Man Invited to Prestigious Las Vegas Food Show

Richard Rhoades, owner of Red Pony Salsa, was recently invited to bring his product to the Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, Nev, happening on January 21, 22 and 23.

Rhoades said how the invite came about.

Although around 10 Wyoming businesses were in the running for the event, only two were chosen, with Red Pony Salsa being one of them.

This is an international show, with around 40 different countries being represented, Rhoades explains,

Currently, LeAnn Miller, Fresh Foods in Casper is the distributor of Red Pony Salsa in Wyoming.

Rhoades also talked about how Red Pony Salsa came about. An avid gardener, Rhoades has been making salsa for many years, from his own garden produce. First, he just made it for family and friends, and later, with the encouragement from author Craig Johnson, who has been a friend for over 30 years, he decided to market the condiment.

Craig and his wife, Judy, also recommended the name, Red Pony, after the Red Pony Bar and Grill in the Walt Longmire books. The grill is owned by Longmire’s friend, Henry Standing Bear.

Another product that Red Pony makes is a Bloody Mary mix, which sells out quickly. Rhoades, also plans to add a jalapeno relish to the product line.

Rhoades and his better half, Merilee, also own Vintiques of Wyoming just outside of Clearmont, Wyoming, which sells vintage and antique items and other vintage items, as well as Red Pony Salsa.

On the Specialty Foods Association website, Red Pony Salsa is mentioned in a short piece talking about food incubators and startup companies that will be bringing innovative food products to the 2024 Winter Fancy Food Show’s in the NEW NOW NEXT area.

Red Pony Salsa, Hot, Medium and Mild, and Bloody Mary Mix can be found in many stores around Wyoming as well as in Sacketts Market in Sheridan, and Bucking Buffalo Supply Company in Buffalo. at Longmire Days and various other shows and can be ordered from redponysalsa.com.

Photos courtesy Richard Rhoades.