Who is Alan Turner from The Chase? The Peanut Butter Artisan Who Beat a Trivia Legend

Alan Turner has built a career as unique as his creations. Based in Rohnert Park, California, Turner is the founder and creative force behind Handsome Carver’s, an artisanal nut butter company known for its playful branding and small-batch craftsmanship. The business took root in 2013, inspired by his love for peanut butter and sustainability during his time as an Environmental Studies major at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

While in college, Turner began experimenting with nut butter recipes in his spare time, seeking to create fresh, flavorful alternatives to mass-produced spreads. What started as a personal project quickly evolved into a full-fledged business, with his distinctive recipes debuting at local farmers’ markets across Northern California. His jars—featuring the now-iconic mustachioed gentleman on the label—soon became a recognizable staple at the Marin Farmers’ Market and the Point Reyes Farmers’ Market.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyplY5IgAWk

A Brand Built on Quality and Character

Handsome Carver’s products stand out for their commitment to authenticity and quality. Turner sources his ingredients from trusted farms in California’s Central Valley and Georgia, the peanut-growing capital of the United States. His offerings include peanut, almond, cashew, and hazelnut butters, each crafted in small batches to preserve freshness and flavor.

Turner’s approach emphasizes savory notes over sweetness, reflecting his belief that the pure flavor of the nut should shine through. His hands-on involvement remains central to his brand identity—he personally prepares, labels, and delivers every jar from a commercial kitchen in San Rafael. His dedication to maintaining artisanal standards has helped Handsome Carver’s earn a loyal local following, with products available at boutique grocers such as Driver’s Market in Sausalito and Toby’s Feed Barn in Point Reyes Station, as well as through online orders.

Winning Big on The Chase

In 2021, Turner added an unexpected chapter to his story when he appeared on the ABC game show The Chase. The episode, which aired on February 18, 2021, featured Turner alongside teammates Karen Chu and Julio Trujillo as they faced off against Jeopardy! legend Brad Rutter, one of the most successful quiz show champions in history.

Despite the high stakes and unpredictable nature of the game, Turner’s team pulled off an impressive win, each walking away with roughly $133,333. He later shared that the experience was exhilarating and nerve-wracking—particularly because it was the first episode filmed for that season. To prepare, Turner had immersed himself in trivia podcasts and practiced rapid-fire questioning techniques, sharpening the same quick-thinking instincts that serve him well in entrepreneurship.

Balancing Business, Adventure, and Future Plans

Following his game show victory, Turner expressed plans to use part of his winnings to travel internationally—a long-held dream. He mentioned Thailand, England, and Ireland among the destinations he hoped to explore with his girlfriend. Beyond personal adventures, he remains focused on growing Handsome Carver’s into a sustainable, community-centered brand.

Turner has discussed launching a subscription-based “nut butter club,” modeled after wine memberships, which would allow subscribers to receive exclusive, limited-edition flavors. This innovative idea reflects both his business acumen and his flair for creativity—qualities that have helped him stand out in Northern California’s thriving artisan food scene.

The Mind Behind the Mustache

Alan Turner embodies the rare combination of creativity, craftsmanship, and curiosity. Whether fine-tuning a new peanut butter recipe or answering high-pressure trivia questions on national television, he approaches each challenge with precision and enthusiasm. His journey from a UC Santa Barbara student experimenting in his kitchen to an entrepreneur and game show winner underscores a broader story of passion turned profession.

Today, Turner continues to balance his dual identities as a local food artisan and television trivia champion. For those who’ve tasted his handcrafted creations—or watched him outsmart one of America’s greatest quiz champions—it’s clear that Alan Turner is as sharp with a buzzer as he is with a blender.