As the second-born child of Albert and Johnnie, Albert Denetha Hayes was born inside the family home in 1939, inadvertently inheriting her father's talents in the kitchen; and the responsibility of aiding her parents raise the younger siblings. Being that she was the fairest skinned of her siblings, and naturally  had bright auburn hair, the nickname "Red" stuck with her throughout life. It is here, where she also developed a love for music and a knack for entertaining friends and family. 

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After marrying Hubert "Doug" Durgin, an army staff sergeant and Louisiana-born mix of Creole and German heritage, this influence began to surface in her own cooking; while raising five children themselves. Being Hubert also had a love of culinary arts, the two were known for blessing special occasions with some of their best dishes, including  slow-cooked gumbo and peach cobbler.

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As these two southern cultures were blending, while residing along the California coastline, their children earned the reputation for being an extension of Red's fun-loving personality. Their only daughter Sonya, carries-on these family characteristics; as she shares some of her most cherished family recipes.

Born in 1913 of six siblings, Albert Ishmael Hayes was raised in the then heavily segregated outskirts of Palestine, TX. It is here, where he first discovered his talents in kitchen. Becoming known, for making anything taste delicious. His family, including his parents whom identified as Native Negroes, an older brother, and four sisters; who were known for their beauty, fair skin, and long luxurious hair. Growing up in a rural country town, the children learned to make the best of what he had; or what they could catch. This lifestyle, embedded several essential qualities that would follow him throughout his life and career.
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As an adult, Albert took his life savings from working the railroads as a chef, and opened his own cafe hear his childhood home. It was here, where he met and pursued his wife of 52 years; Johnnie Esther Hogan. Shortly after, the two began their family, as Albert began breeding rabbits and chickens, in order to earn extra money for expenses. The children, fondly recall summers spent on their father's ranch, usually spent naming and playing with family pets; although times were not always the brightest. Especially, when the delicious meal dad prepared, came at the expense of one of their furry friends.
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During the 1940s, Albert learned he was in danger of lynching, coming to be known as a well-known public figure supporting local civil rights efforts; after losing his four sisters to pillaging racist radical groups. This prompted a move to the coast of California with his surviving sibling, as he accepted a position as head chef of the popular Red Rose Cafe, in nearby Santa Barbara. During this time, he absorbed the Californian lifestyle, as it resonated in his cooking. 
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Being a native Texan, the barbecue culture in California seemed to be lacking. With this in mind, Albert decided to use his position at the restaurant, to design a special blend of his favorite herbs and spices meant especially for grilling. But his legacy, was determined with his invention of what he called Hayes Sauce. A barbecue secret sauce recipe he created, and only passed down as a right-of-passage, for the family's male lineage.