Texas-based grocer H-E-B is entering the final leg of its annual grocery games. The supermarket chain has narrowed down the finalists for its annual Quest for Texas Best competition, selecting 10 innovative Texas entrepreneurs from a record-breaking 978 entries spread across the Lone Star State.
Now in its 13th year, the contest asks Texas small businesses to put their best foot forward for the chance to win a combined $100,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to be stocked on H-E-B shelves. Since its beginning, the grocer has discovered more than 1,000 unique products, many of which have become literal household names.
“Quest for Texas Best is more than a competition; it is a launchpad for Texas entrepreneurs,” said James Harris, Sr. Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity for H‑E‑B, in a release. “H‑E‑B began as a small business, and we know firsthand how powerful the right opportunity can be.”
This year, the San Antonio and Houston regions were at the head of the pack with three finalist nods each. But the entrepreneurs hailed from all over the state — including the North Texas towns of Glenn Heights and Haltom City. The top 10 hopefuls include:
- Glenn Heights — Uncle Marc’s, a manufacturer of barbecue seasonings, rubs, and sauces
- Haltom City — Sol Dias, a gourmet paleta and Mexican ice cream company
- San Antonio — WFN Foods, maker of heat-and-serve taco fillings like beef barbacoa, pork carnitas, and carne guisada
- Boerne — Coley’s Foods Inc., a frozen cookie dough company
- Floresville — Dean & Peeler Meats, a beef producer known for its smoked Gouda sausage and Angus tallow
- Houston — Doggie Express, a small-batch maker of decorated treats for canine celebrations
- Houston — Big Bayou Cocktail Sauce, a saucy supplier branching out to Bloody Mary and margarita mixes
- Houston — Hive Food Co., beekeepers known for gourmet infused honey
- Bastrop — La Fregona, creators of a chile sauce for elotes and esquites
- Roma — In Your Smokin' Face, a spice company specializing in bold chile piquín and carne asada blends
Sol Dias, from Haltom City.Photo courtesy of H-E-B
The final contenders will pitch their products on October 8 at H-E-B's headquarters in San Antonio, where judges will determine the top four winning products and award $50,000 to the grand prize winner and the "Texas Best" title — an honor that guarantees placement on H-E-B store shelves.
The first-place winner will receive $25,000, the second-place winner will receive $15,000, and the third-place winner will receive $10,000.
The new Kraft Buffalo Aioli Chicken Sandwich.Photo courtesy of Dallas Cowboys
Suite ticketholders will be able to enjoy new vegan items, including the Meatless Chicken Nuggets.Photo courtesy of Dallas Cowboys