(Nathan Ferraro / Fourth Estate)

Condiment inspired by Mason debuts in dining halls

BY MONTGOMERY VANIK, STAFF WRITER

Mason is spicing up campus dining with SOSS Bros, a bold, flavor-forward sauce brand created by three Mason alumni who turned their family recipe into a fast-growing business.

Founded in 2024 by brothers Hisham and Karim Hafez, alongside their former frat brother Lance Ahmadian, SOSS Bros has quickly gained attention for its line of smoky, creamy and zesty sauces. The sauces, which just launched on Nov. 12, represent not only a major milestone for the founders but also a proud example of Mason entrepreneurship in action.

SOSS Bros has already built strong ties with the university, debuting its exclusive “Brave & Bold” sauce in collaboration with Mason Dining. 

(Montgomery Vanik / Fourth Estate)

In the weeks leading up to the launch, the founders visited the campus’s dining halls to offer samples and gather feedback from students, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

“It tastes so good and was a great addition to my sandwich,” freshman Addison Cutter said after trying the new sauce. 

Many others echoed this, including sophomore Sid Kumar who called it a “flavorful twist that adds excitement to everyday campus meals.”

The “Brave & Bold” sauce embodies the spirit of Mason itself; it is an innovative creation with fearless and distinctly local founders. The sauce blends smoky and creamy elements with a hint of spice, offering a taste that is truly unique. 

“Step up and taste the pride of George Mason University with SOSS Brave and Bold — the official sauce of the Patriots,” the company wrote on its website.

Beyond flavor, the SOSS Bros team sees their work as a reflection of Mason’s values: creativity, collaboration and entrepreneurship. “We noticed George Mason had a gap in the foods and drinks it sponsors, and we thought, ‘Why can’t we fill this gap and give back to the students?’” said Karim Hafez.

SOSS Bros also plans to expand its reach beyond campus, offering products online and in select stores such as Giant. 

But for now, Mason students get a front-row seat to the start of something big: a homegrown success story that proves bold ideas and bolder flavors start right here at Mason.