SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Josh Amidon, owner of Gino’s Steak & Onion in Fayetteville, has become an internet sensation for his creation of a pink sauce named Malibu Barbie Dream Drizzle. The sauce features a blend of red dragon fruit, fresh garlic, chili powder, and edible glitter. Amidon got the idea when he woke up at 4 a.m. on the launch day of the Barbie movie. Drawing from his background in marketing, advertising, and social media, he was inspired by the trend adopted by restaurants nationwide and didn’t want to be left behind.
“I wanted to buck the trend a little bit and be a little bit different in what we were doing, so it fits our brand a little bit more, and that’s what I came up with,” Amidon said. With this innovative creation, he allows his cooks to “flex their culinary muscle” and experiment with different ideas. He has several PR plans in the works, aiming to turn this “five minutes of fame” into a sustainable reality, including the development of the world’s first steak-scented fragrance. “I understand the importance of causing an uproar, and I’m okay with that,” Amidon explained.
Amidon places great value on the concept of uniqueness and strives to showcase it in his business’s culture. “I try really hard to be as authentic as possible. I try to be as universally open-minded as humanly possible,” he said. He emphasizes fairness and individuality to both his customers and employees.
His upcoming endeavor involves helping a 14-year-old foster kid who was recently adopted by a local family and frequently dines at the restaurant. This young aspiring cook has created his own sauce recipe, which Josh plans to purchase. A portion of the proceeds from the sauce sales will be dedicated to a scholarship fund for the boy, ensuring that he can pursue higher education or trade school when he turns eighteen.
