News Summary
McAllen’s Deli Spices has scored a $15,000 prize by earning second place at H-E-B’s 12th Annual Quest for Texas Best competition with their Birria Spice mix. This small business, owned by Sully and Gilberto Villareal, releases a product that simplifies making authentic birria at home. Their recognition provides valuable exposure, allowing them to sell their mix statewide. H-E-B’s initiative supports local entrepreneurs, fostering growth within the Texas community while rewarding innovation.
McAllen’s Deli Spices Takes Home $15,000 Prize for Award-Winning Birria Spice Mix
In a delightful turn of events for food lovers in Texas, McAllen is buzzing with excitement as a local gem, Deli Spices, has claimed the second-place title at H-E-B’s 12th Annual Quest for Texas Best competition. With their amazing *Birria Spice mix*, this small business has not only scored a stellar prize of $15,000 but has also put themselves on the map for statewide sales!
The Quest for Texas Best Competition
Every year, H-E-B, Texas’s beloved grocery chain, hosts this extraordinary competition to showcase the best new products crafted by Texans. This year was no exception, as over 370 products from nearly 150 cities across the Lone Star State were submitted for a shot at the spotlight. Out of all these entries, only 10 products made it to the exciting final round. Deli Spices, owned by the talented duo Sully and Gilberto Villareal, proudly stood among this elite group!
A Passion for Flavor
Deli Spices’ winning product, their *Birria Spice mix*, is designed to make cooking authentic birria a breeze! With **real dried chiles** and **toasted spices**, folks can whip up a delicious birria dish at home in under 30 minutes. This delightful spice mix is just what the culinary world needs, and it seems that the judges at the competition thought so too!
More Than Just a Prize
While the cash prize is certainly a fantastic bonus, the honor of competing in the Quest for Texas Best comes with more advantages. Thanks to this achievement, Deli Spices will have the golden opportunity to sell their beloved spice mix in H-E-B stores statewide. This exposure is crucial for local entrepreneurs, enabling them to reach a wider audience and grow their business.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs
The Quest for Texas Best isn’t just a competition; it’s a movement aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs. H-E-B focuses on providing resources, exposure, and mentorship to participants, which can make a world of difference for small businesses trying to find their footing. Over the years, H-E-B has awarded nearly $2.75 million in prize money, along with marketing help and guidance to boost local commerce.
The Top Winners
This year, the awards also included a grand prize of $50,000 for the best product, while the first place winner took home $25,000 and the third-place victor received $10,000. Even those who do not walk away with the top prizes benefit from the exposure and potential sales that come with being recognized in this prestigious event.
A Bright Future for Deli Spices
Deli Spices has certainly sparked a taste of excitement and success in McAllen, and there’s no telling what the future holds for this remarkable business. With their award-winning product set to grace the shelves of H-E-B stores across Texas, we can’t wait to see how many more people discover and enjoy their delicious Birria Spice mix.
So here’s to Deli Spices and to all the local businesses making Texas proud, one flavorful creation at a time!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Valley Central: McAllen Business Places Top Five in H-E-B Quest for Texas Best 2025
- Texas Monthly: La Cocinita McAllen – Tacos with International Influence
- KRGV: McAllen Business Named Finalist in H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best Competition
- Texas Border Business: Deli Spice Cooking Spices of McAllen Named a Top 10 Finalist in Quest for Texas Best
- Wikipedia: H-E-B
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
