TexJoy traces its roots to 1921, when Charles J. Fertitta Sr. launched the Texas Coffee Company with just $1,800, a Ford Model-T, and a small shack in Beaumont, Texas. You’ll find this family-run business grew from delivering aromatic coffee to offering an extensive line of seasonings under the TexJoy name—most famously Steak Seasoning, along with BBQ blends and Cajun spices. Their practical packaging and authentic Texas flavors have made them a kitchen essential for generations. The Fertitta legacy continues to spice up tables across the South and beyond.
From a Model-T Truck to Texas Tables: The Humble Origins
While many Texan culinary legends boast glamorous beginnings, TexJoy’s story starts with nothing more than $1,800, a Model-T truck, and a makeshift one-room shack. When Charles J. Fertitta, Sr. founded the Texas Coffee Company in 1921, he operated behind Beaumont’s Crescent Market on Magnolia Street, crafting coffee with a distinctive aroma that quickly captured local palates.
These humble beginnings centered on direct deliveries, with Fertitta personally driving his Model-T between Beaumont and Port Arthur to serve growing demand. What began as a simple coffee business steadily evolved through small-business grit, maintaining close customer relationships while building what would eventually become a Texas kitchen essential. The dedication to quality and tradition helped the company weather wartime shortages and rationing throughout its early decades. The company’s unassuming start reflects the authentic, hardworking spirit that still defines TexJoy products today.
A Century of Flavor: Key Milestones in TexJoy’s Development
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From that modest one-room shack and Model-T truck, Texas Coffee Company’s journey expanded into a century-long flavor institution. The 1921 founding by Charles J. Fertitta, Sr. set the stage for innovations that would span generations, with active family leadership continuing into the third generation by the late 1990s.
In the 2000s, TexJoy leaned into steady product development—introducing new mixes and reduced-sodium options to serve loyal customers while reflecting health-conscious trends. The brand’s rich coffee heritage and seasoning know-how became synonymous with craftsmanship across the Gulf Coast and neighboring regions. The 50% Less Salt Steak Seasoning underscored the brand’s responsiveness to changing dietary preferences. TexJoy’s centennial in 2021 celebrated this heritage with recipes and stories that honor tradition while still evolving.
Like the crape myrtle tradition that began with A.G. Pat Mayse’s seedling sales, TexJoy’s spices have become deeply embedded in Texas cultural identity.
Beyond Steak Seasoning: Exploring the Complete TexJoy Product Line
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The legendary Steak Seasoning that put TexJoy on the map only scratches the surface of this Texas flavor pioneer’s lineup. You’ll find multi-use versatility across BBQ rubs, Cajun blends, and specialized seasonings tailored for regional recipes.
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BBQ Collection – From Special Bar-B-Q Seasoning to Old West Mesquite Shake for authentic smoky flavor
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Cajun & Chili Blends – Bold options for South Louisiana–style cooking and Tex-Mex favorites
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Essential Spices – Pure Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic Salt, and Onion Powder for everyday cooking
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Specialty Mixes – Targeted blends like Meat Tenderizer, Lemon Pepper, and Poultry Seasoning
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Beyond Seasonings – Seaport coffee and select flavor extracts that extend the brand’s culinary reach
The Butt & Rib Tickler Pork Rub delivers a deep, robust flavor with a hint of sweetness that complements pulled pork and ribs. Like any great Texas pantry brand, TexJoy keeps high standards across each distinctive blend.
Like Luby’s commitment to quality ingredients, TexJoy maintains high standards in each of their distinctive seasoning blends.
Family Values and Quality Craftsmanship: The Fertitta Legacy
Behind every iconic brand stands a visionary family, and TexJoy’s story begins with the Fertitta legacy. When Charles J. Fertitta Sr. launched Texas Coffee Company in 1921 with just $1,800 and a Model-T, he planted the seeds for a culinary institution.
The family’s multi-generational leadership has preserved both tradition and pragmatic innovation for a century, extending beyond coffee into the beloved TexJoy seasonings you know today. The company was an early regional adopter of modern vacuum-packed coffee formats in the late 1960s, underscoring its focus on freshness. Now led by third-generation Fertittas—Joseph as President and Donald as Vice President—the company continues to prioritize authentic Texas flavors and meticulous craftsmanship. Their hands-on approach helps ensure every product that reaches your kitchen maintains the distinctive quality that’s defined their legacy since 1921.
Innovation in Every Shake: How TexJoy Approaches Packaging
When industry leaders discuss packaging that protects flavor, TexJoy Seasonings often comes up as a reliable, no-nonsense practitioner. Building on its coffee expertise, the company extended freshness-focused thinking to its seasoning line.
You’ll notice moisture-resistant packaging that keeps spices fresher longer, while straightforward shaker designs make cooking intuitive.
By the time reduced-sodium varieties arrived, labels clearly highlighted nutrition to meet changing needs—without sacrificing flavor. The flagship TexJoy Steak Seasoning remains a staple in kitchens across the South.
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Flavor-preserving packaging helps protect freshness
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Moisture-resistant materials maintain ideal texture for blends
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Clear nutrition info supports informed choices
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Texas-themed branding creates fast shelf recognition
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Practical containers provide easy, precise dispensing
Cultural Impact: How TexJoy Flavors Shaped Texas Cuisine
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Beyond packaging, TexJoy’s lasting contribution lies in its imprint on everyday Texas cooking. You’ll taste the crossroads of Southern comfort and border-region zing in every shake—a flavorful bridge that fits naturally at backyard cookouts and weeknight dinners alike.
Whether you’re seasoning steaks, gumbo, or fajitas, TexJoy often sits beside the salt and pepper—proof of its cultural standing. The licensed Saltgrass Seven spice showcases how TexJoy collaborates to bring steakhouse-style flavor home. Across the Lone Star State, these blends help home cooks hit the smoky-savory profiles Texans love.
