San Antonio Business Enthusiast Triumphs in H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best Competition

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Amidst stiff competition, a local businesswoman, Maria Flores, catapulted herself to victory last week in H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best competition. The owner of Hess Street Foods swept the first prize with her innovative chorizo seasoning paste and Mexican chorizo seasoning.

Basking in Victory

Flores is all set to receive a grand cash prize of $20,000 and her winning products will feature on shelves of H-E-B grocery stores in the following 1-2 months. This victory is not only a professional achievement for Flores but also a sentimental triumph, as her business Model, Hess Street Foods, was a tribute to her grandparents.

Joyously reminiscing about how she initiated her business, Flores shared, “I wanted to keep my grandmother’s, my Abuelita’s, recipe alive and started trying to recreate her recipe.” This venture was not just about taking forward the rich culinary legacy but also celebrating her grandparent’s resilience and courage who were erstwhile residents of San Antonio before they returned to Coahuila, Mexico.

Nostalgic Connection

With a noble aim to honor her grandparents and their American Dream with her products, Flores’ products are named after Hess Street, a testament of their short-lived American journey. Thrilled beyond words about her win, Flores said, “I cannot help but think, ‘Hey, Grandpa and Grandma, can you see this? You did it. You did it.”

The Competition and Winners

H-E-B’s annual Quest for Texas Best competition, now running in its 11th year, honored other winners as well. The grand prize, along with a hefty $25,000 check, was claimed by the Austin-based business owner Donelle Mendoza for her Birria Seasoning Bombs. Coming in second was Meredith Sears & Family’s Certified Country Lemonade from Austin, bagging $15,000.

Matt Balke and Hannah Davis from Dallas secured the third prize for their Blue Corn Butterscotch Pancake Mix, winning a $10,000 prize. Returning to North Texas, the duo hopes to further develop their food business with their winnings.

Marketing and Availability

Presently, Flores offers her award-winning products at the New Braunfels Farmers Market every weekend and once a month at the Bulverde Farmers Market. With the recognition from the event and the prize, Maria Flores and Hess Street Foods are looking forward to bright days ahead.

This triumph in the H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best is not just a win for Flores and Hess Street Foods, it underscores the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of San Antonio and puts a spotlight on the rich culinary heritage of Texas.

The Quest for Texas Best competition serves as a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their culinary skills and innovation and potentially win cash prizes and placement on H-E-B’s shelves. Over the years, the competition has birthed many success stories like that of Maria Flores, inspiring many more to follow in their footsteps.