20 Texans named quest for Texas best finalists

SAN ANTONIO – More than 800 Texans threw their hats into the ring submitting more than 1,200 products ready for the 2021 Quest for Texas Best. From books, beignets, and bottled water, to syrups, sausage, and seasonings, H-E-B’s Business Development and Sourcing Managers reviewed a host of products for potential placement on H-E-B store shelves.

H-E-B has announced the top 20 contestants, who will present their products for final judging on August 25th-26th, 2021 at the San Antonio Food Bank. H-E-B Quest for Texas Best will adhere to all federal, state, and city health and safety guidelines.

A panel of judges, selected by H-E-B, will determine the four winning products and award $25,000 to the Grand Prize winner, the title of “Texas Best” and placement on store shelves; $20,000 to the first-place winner; $15,000 to the second-place winner and $10,000 to the third-place winner.

Now in its eighth year, H-E-B Quest for Texas Best has expanded its search for the finest foods and beverages in the Lone Star State to also include non-food items.

In addition to food creators and innovators, Texas-based purveyors of beauty items, toys, home goods, household necessities, gardening supplies, coolers, and everything in between are now invited to join!

“We continue to be amazed at what Texans bring to the table and how their creations are received in stores,” said James Harris, Director, Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity, H-E-B. “The creativity and resiliency of our Lone Star food, and now non-food, creators have elevated this contest with another year of unbelievable stories and products.”

Since launching the contest in 2014, H-E-B has reviewed more than 4,500 samples of the most creative and mouthwatering Texas-made food and beverages, deemed more than 750 unique products worthy of shelf placement, and awarded nearly $1 million in prize money, marketing, supplemental support, and mentoring.

Eligible products must not be available at any other large chain or retailer, and the vendors must be willing to sell exclusively to H-E-B. Additionally, Texas-based suppliers must also create, produce or co-pack the products in Texas.
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2021 H-E-B QUEST FOR TEXAS FINALISTS

SAN ANTONIO REGION

Olla Express Café – Raw Piloncillo Syrup
Andrea Ley
San Antonio
Andrea Ley’s Olla Express Café specializes in creating and rescuing nostalgic flavors from traditional Mexican recipes. Cafe de olla, traditionally prepared coffee in earthen clay pots with spices and piloncillo has enjoyed the spotlight as the company’s main product since opening in 2019. Nowadays, Ley’s bespoke menu of time-honored Mexican recipes includes a new favorite, Piloncillo Syrup, reimagined as a natural sweetener that has fewer calories than refined sugar, honey, and molasses.

Austin Region
FoliePop’s –  Tartelettes
Audry Sigoure
Austin
FoliePop’s brings a taste of France to Texas with its French street food and coffee house. The team of French ex-pats infuses local Texan culture into their French roots to create a customizable tartelette that allows customers to bring their own cravings to life. Chef Kévin D’Andréa and Chef Antoine Chassonnery have created crisp, creamy Tartelettes that offer a burst of flavor in one bite. Choose your base: brownie, cookie, red velvet, madeleine, banana cake, or marble cake; choose your cream: chocolate hazelnut, vanilla, lemon, peanut butter, or crème brûlée; and top it with a pop: strawberry, coconut, vanilla, caramel, chocolate hazelnut, or mango.

Bhoomi – Enhanced Sugar Cane Water
Arpit & Elora Bhopalkar
Austin
Inspired by his childhood in India and the reward of sugarcane juice after a table tennis training session, Arpit Bholpalkar created Bhoomi. The line of high-quality rehydrating cold pressed cane elixirs is blended with ancient Ayurvedic super botanicals for recovery, immunity, and superfood properties. Certified Paleo, low glycemic with packaging that reduces the carbon footprint by a substantial 89% compared to other traditional PET options, Bhoomi’s flavors include ginger, turmeric, and moringa. Additionally, Bhoomi supports justice for the minority sugarcane farming community.

Gabrick Barbecue – Rebel Red BBQ Sauce
Mark Gabrick
Dripping Springs
Gabrick Barbecue originated as a food trailer that shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many in this time, Mark Gabrick pivoted his business. His entrepreneurial spirit called him to bottle his most precious asset – barbecue sauce. Gabrick’s own secret sauce blends his background into the recipe to create a “double portion” of heartfelt hospitality with flavors that include Texas Tang, Sweet Heat, and Rebel Red.

Imperfekt Bites – Snacking Chocolate
Jessica Wuesthofen
Austin
Decadent snacking and a healthy lifestyle can coexist with Imperfekt Bites. Founder Jessica Wuesthofen, a third-generation chocolatier, was inspired by the treats in her family’s German bakery in Wisconsin to create the Imperfekt Bites. Like the German chocolate Mandelsplitter, Imperfekt Bites combines delicious, heart-healthy, thoughtful ingredients to create a satisfying, mineral rich, potassium, and vitamin C cookie treat. Flavors include Go Bananas, Tropical Mix, and Texas Twist.

The Art of Pecan – Native Texas Pecans
Vincent Friedewald & Wendy Polland
Dripping Springs
After moving to Texas, Wendy Polland fell in love with the native pecan trees growing throughout her property. Despite being the most antioxidant-rich nuts, and packed with other nutritious minerals, vitamins, and healthy fats, she was shocked pecans largely remained a comfort food. She founded The Art of Pecan to create the highest quality products ever derived from the American native pecan. Her Sea Salt Activated Native Texas Pecans are created from premium grade, wildcrafted, unsprayed (no pesticides!), native Texas pecans. Additional flavors include Maple and Hatch Chili.

The Stroop Club – Stroopwafel Syrup
Chantal Piet
Austin
Founded by Netherlands natives Chantal and Tako Piet, Stroop Club stays true to Dutch tradition with its offerings of stroopwafels and, most recently, stroopwafel syrup. In collaboration with Better Flavor Co., a woman-owned Austin-based small business, Stroop Club Stroopwafel Coffee & Cocktail syrup is perfect for chicken and waffles, over pancakes, in stroopwafel lattes, in hot toddies, and in baked goods. Stroopwafels are packaged in omni-degradable wrappers using post-consumer recycled or reused packaging and shipping materials. The Piets are also proud ambassadors for The Rainforest Partnership, donating a portion of their revenues are donated to conserve and restore tropical rainforests.

DALLAS/FT. WORTH REGION

Howdy Homemade Ice Cream – Dr. Pepper Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Tom Landis & Coleman Jones
Dallas
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream is renowned for its iconic Dr. Pepper Chocolate Chip ice cream and its mission to change the way businesses hire people with special needs. In addition to creating more than 20 successful flavors and establishing two locations in Dallas with five more on the way, Howdy Homemade Ice Cream also works with numerous special needs organizations to hire, train, and employ people with Down syndrome and autism.

Savor Pâtisserie –  French Macarons
Kelli Watts
Dallas
Savor Pâtisserie began in a sugar-covered apartment in Dallas. Founder, Kelli Watts who is half French but born and raised in Texas, taught herself to bake French macarons but soon developed her own version. Savor Pâtisserie, which is owned and operated by women, opened its first location in 2016 and now sells the beautifully delicious French macarons at four shop locations across Dallas-Fort Worth, ships all over the USA, and sells wholesale. While Savor Pâtisserie’s macarons are larger than most, they still come in at under 100 calories. All naturally gluten-free – made with almond flour and select flavors are dairy-free. Flavors include vanilla, strawberry, lemon, and pistachio along with specialties like s’mores, cookies ‘n cream, and birthday cake.

Live to Give Water – Bottled Water
John Wayne Wilding & Zach Smith
Little Elm
Founded by retired Green Beret John Wayne Wilding, Live to Give Water provides Texans easy, everyday ways to support those who serve. In 2019, Wilding and his co-founder Zach Smith brought Live to Give premium bottled water with electrolytes to life with the goal of donating 50% of their net profits to three non-profit charities: Folds of Honor, Task Force Dagger, and Chive Charities. Wilding, a Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star recipient, is a combat veteran with 12 years of service and a lost leg to sniper fire in the Battle of Shok Valley (Afghanistan).

Park Lane Pantry – “The Original” Granola
Tiffany Lustig and Elaine Pearlman
Dallas
Elaine Pearlman and Tiffany Lustig launched Park Lane Pantry in 2019 to introduce a premium, vegan snack granola to the marketplace. Park Lane’s “The Original” granola is for food lovers avoiding unnatural sugar and seeking an option that is vegan and gluten-free. The woman-owned company focuses on high-quality food, using top-of-the-line natural ingredients such as gluten-free rolled oats, unsweetened cranberries, unsweetened coconut, unsulfured apricots, and monk fruit instead of artificial or refined sugar. Park Lane Pantry dedicates a portion of its profits to the Dwight Powell Children and Family Support Fund at UT Southwestern’s Simmons Cancer Center in Dallas.

Yatab Mandazi  – “African beignets”
Elisabeth Varondi
McKinney
Founder Elisabeth Varondi’s Yatab Mandazi, a fried bread from the Swahili coast of East Africa, pays homage to her grandmom and mom along with the women of Africa who make a few dollars a day selling to feed their children and pay school fees. Varondi started selling the mouthwatering, sweet African beignet at Dallas area farmer’s markets and is now selling online nationwide.

1836 Farms – Milk in glass bottles
Jeff Memmelaar
Terrell
1836 Farms’ history of dairy farming began over 100 years ago with Jeff Memmelaar’s great grandpa in Switzerland where his herd produced top quality milk by using top-quality feed. Today, 1836 Farms carries on that tradition as a local, family-owned and operated organic dairy located in Terrell, Texas. The company bottles its milk in glass bottles with the belief that it is the healthiest and most ecological choice to maintain and sustain the environment. 1836 Farms milk is available in its traditional form and in a variety of specialty and seasonal flavors such as strawberry, banana, and orange creamsicle.

BB’s Season All – BB’s Meat Seasonings
Billy Brown Jr.
Forney
Billy Brown is an avid BBQ enthusiast and serious foodie with a passion for watching people enjoy the good food that comes from his creations. His dedication to perfecting the perfect blend of spices is unmatched having spent eight years developing his first hit, Pure Heaven, before officially calling it a business. His company, BB’s Season All, has since created three more flavors ready for retail: Pure Hell-spicy, Zesty Lemon Pepper, and Sweet Hell-sweet n spicy. All four flavors are keto-friendly, vegan, low sodium, carb-free, gluten-free, and zero calories, all while maintaining a robust, memorable flavor.

HOUSTON REGION

Jam-Tex Cuisine – Jammin’ Jerk Sauce
Jacqui Francis
Houston
Born in Kingston Jamaica, Jam-Tex Cuisine founder Jacqui Francis started her catering career in 1986 with a mobile hotel service. In 1995, she was invited to serve as Executive Chef the Prime Minister of Jamaica. Her cuisine was enjoyed by kings, queens, diplomats, and heads of state for a decade. In 2015, she was selected as an H-E-B Quest finalist for her Jamaican Rum Cake. This year, Francis shares her line of Jammin’ Jerk and Sweet Reggae sauces – perfect additions to  Jamaican dishes or as a savory boost to any dish or cuisine.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY REGION

Grillnade – Grillnade Firestarter
Cesar Gonzalez & Rudy Esquivel
McAllen
In 2017, during one of Cesar Gonzalez’s weekly barbecues, his family discussed the difficulties of starting a fire. They realized there was nothing on the market that was appealing to the eye, easy to use, and would work as advertised. Gonzalez and his brother Rudy began brainstorming and that night, the idea of the Grillnade, a wax-based fire starter in the shape of a grenade, was born. By 2018, they sold the first Grillnade to a local barbeque supply store. Since then, the brothers have expanded into 12 retail locations across the state and are currently available online.

“Adventures of Exo and Cy” – Children’s Book
David Ceron
McAllen
After losing his brother and sister to diabetes, David Ceron wrote “The Adventures of Exo and Cy,” an interactive children’s book working to change the culture of unhealthy living. Readers follow Exo and his faithful Jack Russell terrier Cy (exercise) through the town of O.B. City (obesity) and work up a sweat through a combined “exocyse” workout. Ceron has sold 25,000 copies of “The Adventures of Exo and Cy”.

Milano Products – Della Nonna: Mild Italian Sausage
Joseph Lafferty
McAllen
Milano Products’ story begins with one woman: Giovanna Milano, the matriarch of the Milano family. In 1960, Giovanna moved from Italy to the Rio Grande Valley with her husband Lino to pursue the American Dream. Giovanna integrated herself into her new community by learning the languages and immersing herself in South Texas traditions, culture, and cuisine. A mouth-watering representation of this blend of cultures is Giovanna’s famous Italian sausage that was 100% Italian, 100% Texan, and 100% Mexican. People would travel from all over the Rio Grande Valley just to have her salsiccia di casa. In 2020, to honor their mother’s legacy, Giovanna’s sons created Della Nonna sausage, a delicious pork sausage that is fully cooked in a blend of spices and natural hog casings.

La Casa de Mi Abuela – Poblano Pepper Strips with Corn and Cream
Cynthia Villarreal
Mission
As a busy mother of two who wanted to preserve the family meal and avoid fast food options when schedules collided, Cynthia Villarreal turned to meal prepping using what she learned in her beloved Nana’s traditional Mexican kitchen.  She created delicious, fresh dinner options that were ready in just a few minutes. Knowing others could benefit from her love of Mexican gastronomy, she founded La Casa de Mi Abuela in 2016. Today, the company offers a line of seven stews and food products that can be found in more than 20 different stores and supermarkets throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

2F Akaushi Beef – Texas Wagyu Ground Beef
Stephanie Martinez
Santa Elena
In 1927, Felix Martinez purchased Rancho Santa Fe in the Rio Grande Valley and established the 2F cattle brand. Now run by Felix’s grandson, Felo Martinez, and his wife Stephanie, the family-owned and operated ranching business has been breeding, producing, and raising commercial cattle since 1984. Using certified Akaushi Wagyu genetics, the 2F Akaushi Ground Beef is a special 80/20 blend of chuck, rump, and steak trimmings is all-natural, hormone free, and contains no antibiotics. Along with their daughter and son-in-law, the Martinez family has grown their Akaushi herd to more than 1,000 head of cattle and offers premium Wagyu beef to restaurants and households.

H-E-B, with sales of over $31 billion, operates more than 400 stores in Texas and Mexico. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 135,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit HEB.com.