News Summary
H-E-B has unveiled the finalists for its 12th annual Quest for Texas Best competition, highlighting local entrepreneurs and Texas-made products. With $100,000 in cash prizes available, over 370 contestants from nearly 150 cities competed for a chance to have their products on H-E-B store shelves. Notable finalists include Klein Smokehaus Fine Quality Meats and The Lavish Goat, showcasing the creativity and innovation of Texas businesses. The competition culminates in a presentation event where judges will select the top products.
Texas: San Antonio Shines as H-E-B Unveils Finalists for the Quest for Texas Best Competition
San Antonio is set to host the 12th annual Quest for Texas Best competition, showcasing the most outstanding Texas-made products. H-E-B, the well-known grocery chain, has announced the finalists vying for a share of $100,000 in cash prizes. This competition serves as a platform for local entrepreneurs to shine, stimulating innovation and creativity across the state.
A Little Background on the Quest
The Quest for Texas Best is more than just a competition; it represents a celebration of Texan entrepreneurship. This year, over 370 talented entrepreneurs from nearly 150 Texas cities have participated, offering unique products ranging from savory meats to fresh spices and delectable sweets. The finalists will have their products stocked on H-E-B store shelves statewide, enhancing their visibility and market reach.
On September 25, finalists will gather in San Antonio to present their products to a panel of carefully selected judges from H-E-B. The panel’s challenging task will be to choose the top four winning products from the impressive lineup of finalists.
Let’s Meet Some Finalists!
The finalists include a diverse range of innovative businesses. Among them is Klein Smokehaus Fine Quality Meats, known for its famous Oak Smoked Bacon. Founded in July 1950 by the Waldeck family in Boerne, this family-owned business is co-managed by Clayton Klein and Colton Sells.
Another notable finalist is The Lavish Goat, a women-led and minority-owned bath and body company based in Sugar Land. Established during the pandemic by Candice and Sean Wheat, The Lavish Goat has gained popularity with its menthol-infused shower steamers, designed to enhance the overall bathing experience.
Both of these businesses exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and diverse talents present in the Lone Star State.
Prize Breakdown
The competition offers substantial monetary rewards, intended to support and promote local businesses. The prize distribution is as follows:
- $50,000 for the grand prize winner, awarded the title of “Texas Best”.
- $25,000 for first place, providing valuable funding for business growth.
- $15,000 for second place, offering support to help advance entrepreneurial efforts.
- $10,000 for third place, further incentivizing product development.
Since the competition began, the Quest for Texas Best has celebrated over 1,000 local products and awarded nearly $2.75 million in prize money. These initiatives underline H-E-B’s dedication to empowering local entrepreneurs through exposure, resources, and mentorship opportunities.
A Wrap-Up of the Fun
As the competition intensifies, finalists are excitedly preparing to showcase their exceptional products. Anticipation builds as judges prepare to make their critical decisions. Soon, shoppers statewide can expect to find these innovative offerings on H-E-B shelves.
The Quest for Texas Best is not just a competition; it serves as a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that enriches the Texas landscape. Supporting local businesses is essential to the Texan identity, emphasizing creativity, innovation, and a strong sense of community. Texans should prepare to embrace and enjoy the forthcoming wave of delicious, locally-made products.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- H-E-B Newsroom
- San Antonio Express-News
- Houston Chronicle
- Valley Central
- KENS 5
- Wikipedia: Texas
- Google Search: H-E-B Quest for Texas Best
- Google Scholar: Texas entrepreneurship
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas business
- Google News: H-E-B Texas Best
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
