Local Vendor Spotlight: Texas Texas Salsa
Small-Batch Deliciousness Homemade character is maintained by producing their salsas in small-batch stainless steel kettles. In simple terms, you end up eating a salsa that isn’t mushy. Since the beginning the owners have been taste-testing every batch. We recognize that all natural, fresh ingredients can vary from crop to crop that require subtle adjustments. For example, chile peppers can vary in heat since we don’t use liquid capsicum or genetically modified chile peppers. Thus, we have to make adjustments the old fashion way; by adding or subtracting the quantity of peppers. But if you really want to know why we keep our eye on the prize, we do it for the same reason every chef, cook and Mom tastes their food when preparing it for other people: We want you to have the best we can make!
1. How long have you been in business?
Since 1997 (24 years)
2. What is your origin story?
In the mid 90’s, my dad, Eddie, moved to Austin and was intrigued, but somewhat disappointed with the overabundance of hot salsas. Most of the hot salsas on the market were either so hot that you couldn’t actually taste them, or they had absurd names on goofy labels. Essentially, he saw an opportunity to turn yet another family recipe into a business venture.
3. What are your most popular products?
- Restaurant Style Medium: First in the market to use this name in 2009. It’s blended smooth just like in Mexican restaurants and people can easily identify with this style.
- Roasted Addiction: The name says it all, but this truly is a remarkable salsa where we flame-roast all the veggies. The caramelization creates a rich flavor.
- Taco Truck Style: Blended even smoother than our Restaurant Style and it has a unique flavor from Chipotle in Adobe Sauce and Arbol chilies. We’ve omitted onions and cilantro for the 1st time to accommodate people with IBS and/or an aversion to cilantro.
4. What makes your products unique?
- Our motto has always been the same; We’re going to win you over with flavor, not kill you with heat. Even our Ghost Pepper salsa still has great flavor.
- Ingredients: salsas are made up of 60-80%+ tomatoes and we select several high-quality varieties that have more depth in flavor and more sweetness. It significantly improves the overall flavor of a salsa.
- We taste-test every batch! Why you ask? We do it for the same reason every chef, friend, or loved one tastes food when preparing if for others – we believe you deserve only the very best we can make.
- We’re a second-generation, family-owned business that truly cares about every customer.
5. How many staff members do you have?
Three!
6. What would an employee say is the best part about working at your company?
Michelle Zeplin: The Sanderson family gives you a true feeling of respect and appreciation. Free salsa is great too!
7. Do you have a special tagline or slogan?
Texas Texas, Double the Flavor. Twice the Love!
8. Is your product sold exclusively at the co-op? If not, what other stores are you in?
We’re in almost every major account in Texas. This includes HEB, Randall’s, Whole Foods, Kroger, Walmart, etc. as well as retailers outside of Texas in 17 states
9. Anything else we should know?
We’re 11-months away from reaching a major milestone; 25-years in business. I would like to thank every customer who has supported us along the journey. Cheers, Y’all!
