Exploring Life & Business with Brian Reardon of 5-0 Dips LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Reardon.

Hi Brian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From the Badge to the Kitchen: The Story Behind 5-0 Dips

In 2015, a good friend introduced me to a slow-cooker version of buffalo chicken dip. It was devoured almost instantly—and I was hooked. I started tweaking the recipe and bringing my version to family gatherings and parties. Without fail, people kept coming back for more.

But the real spark came during a Dad’s Weekend at Ohio University. A student took a bite, looked at me, and said, “This dip is so good, you should be selling it.” I laughed it off at first, but that same comment kept popping up wherever I brought the dip. It planted a seed I couldn’t ignore.

As a proud Northeast Ohio police officer with over 28 years on the job, I knew that if I ever launched a product, it had to honor the profession that shaped me. That’s when 5-0 Dips was born—named after the well-known slang for police, “5-0,” and launched officially in 2019 as 5-0 Dips LLC.

What started as a single flavor—our signature Buffalo Chicken Dip—quickly turned into a full-blown passion. Our dip has since found its way into major retailers, including every Heinen’s location, several Giant Eagle locations, and into the hearts (and fridges) of dip lovers across Northeast Ohio.

Today, we’re cooking up new flavors, expanding our product line, and gearing up to take 5-0 Dips beyond state lines. But no matter how far we grow, one thing will never change: our commitment to quality and purpose. Our dips are made with premium ingredients, always gluten-free, and we have plans to donate a portion of every sale to organizations supporting first responder mental health and suicide prevention—causes that hit close to home.

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?
It was definitely NOT a smooth road! When I first decided to turn my buffalo chicken dip into a real business, one of the biggest early hurdles was simply finding a licensed kitchen to produce it. At that time, I didn’t have access to a commercial space that met the state and federal requirements. I spent months searching, applying, and getting rejected, all while trying to learn the ropes of the food industry—something totally new to me after nearly three decades in law enforcement.

Then came the maze of USDA requirements. Every label, every ingredient, and every process had to meet strict standards. Navigating the licensing and food safety regulations was overwhelming at times, especially for someone without a background in food production. Add to that the constant fluctuation in ingredient pricing—it became a balancing act between maintaining quality and trying to keep the product affordable for both customers and retailers.

And then came COVID. Like so many small businesses, we were hit hard. Ironically, demand for comfort food like our dip actually increased during the pandemic—but so did the cost of goods, labor, and packaging. There were stretches where I was essentially losing money every time I made a batch. But shutting down wasn’t an option.

I know I would never be where I am today without the support of my family and friends and my amazing and beautiful wife Heidi.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about 5-0 Dips LLC?
At 5-0 Dips, I focus on doing one thing really well: making dips that people can’t stop eating—or talking about.

It all started with my signature 5-0 Buffalo Chicken Dip, and since then, I’ve expanded the lineup to include bold new flavors like our “Hanky Panky” Sausage & Cheddar, Roasted Garlic Parmesan and Southwest Chipotle. Every dip is made with high-quality, gluten-free ingredients, and crafted to deliver big, memorable flavor.

I’ve proudly served as a police officer in Northeast Ohio for nearly 30 years and a D.A.R.E. Officer for the past Twelve (12) years. and I built this brand to reflect that part of my life. The name “5-0” comes straight from the badge—it’s a fun nod to law enforcement, but also a deeper way to support a cause I care deeply about. That’s why a portion of every sale will be used towards first responder mental health and suicide prevention programs.

What I’m most proud of is that this brand has become more than just a food business—it’s a community. People aren’t just buying a dip; they’re supporting something bigger. From college students grabbing it at a campus store to families serving it at the holidays, every purchase is a connection. I want new customers to find out why 5-0 Dips is “So good it should be illegal!”

What were you like growing up?
I grew up in Euclid, Ohio, the youngest of six kids in a proud Irish Catholic family. Being the baby of the family had its perks—but also meant learning to hold my own early on. My parents did the best they could trying to keep me focused and in line

Most of my childhood was spent outdoors, playing sports and riding bikes with the neighborhood kids from sun-up to sundown.

I’ll be honest—school wasn’t really my thing growing up. I did what I had to do to get by, but I didn’t find my drive until after high school. That’s when I realized I wanted to become a police officer. From that moment on, something clicked. I buckled down, stayed focused, and committed myself to doing whatever it took to make that dream a reality. That decision changed the entire course of my life and can be credited to all that I have accomplished and still hope to accomplish.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.50dips.com
• Instagram: 50_dips