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Our Clients Client Spotlight Renfro Foods is a Hot Commodity When George Renfro and his wife Arthurine co-founded Renfro Foods 62 years ago in the garage of their north Fort Worth home, little did they realize the hot enterprise it would spawn. Today, after undergoing two company expansions, their third-generation, family-owned Renfro Foods manufactures and distributes more than 100 products. The line includes 26 Mrs. Renfro's products, which are distributed in 50 states, western and eastern Canada, Denmark and Mexico, and is one of the nation's five largest family-owned and managed salsa manufacturers. Not only is Renfro's gaining shelf space, but through marketing and media placements by InterStar, Renfro's is building visibility. Perhaps you spotted Mrs. Renfro's in the blockbuster film "Spy Kids" or caught cooking demonstrations on Dallas/Fort Worth Channels 4, 8, 11 or the cable TV show, "Cooking with Carol." But back in 1940, with the Depression still a vivid memory, George Renfro took a big risk for a man with a family. He quit his job selling restaurant supplies and condiments. And with little more than sheer determination and the support of his family, George and his wife, Arthurine, co-founded George Renfro Food Company. In their new venture, they distributed packaged spices and pepper sauces throughout Fort Worth and the surrounding areas. By 1948, the Renfros expanded the company's product line, buying a local syrup manufacturer. The company's Dixieland Syrups soon had wide distribution throughout Texas grocery stores. Virtually every Dallas-Fort Worth restaurant purchased the syrup from George Renfro Food Company. Four years later, the company acquired the formulas of Gold Star Foods, and reworked the ingredients, making them taste more like family recipes. Before long, George Renfro Food Company had entered the jelly, preserve, vinegar and chow chow business as well. Realizing they had one of the few commercially made, yet homemade-tasting chow chows available, the Renfros capitalized on public demand and created the popular Dixieland Chow Chow. Chow chow is a Southern relish made of garden vegetables, vinegar and spices. By 1960, George Renfro Food Company had become a one-product business focusing exclusively on Dixieland Chow Chow. In 1963, the company created the Mrs. Renfro's label and began selling the chow chow directly to fruit and vegetable stands. The Dixieland label was exclusively reserved for grocery stores. Always anticipating customers' changing tastes, in 1972 the family purchased the recipes of Olé Foods, a Mexican-style hot sauce maker. Reworking the basic taco sauce ingredients of Olé Foods, the Renfros created a richer and tastier salsa recipe. In 1995, its gourmet salsa line was launched with black bean and habanero salsas. Mrs. Renfro's gourmet product line became a favorite for salsa lovers and connoisseurs. To keep up with increased demand, Renfro Foods expanded its manufacturing plant again in 1997, also adding peach, chipotle corn and roasted salsas to its list of intriguing salsas. Today Renfro's is the nation's largest producer of chow chow. Its Mrs. Renfro's line of gourmet salsa ranks as one of the nation's top five best-selling salsas distributed by specialty food distributors. Last year it introduced its 26th product - Garlic Salsa - and after nearly 30 years, Mrs. Renfro's label and jar got a whole new look. This not only allows each product to stand on its own but is easily branded as a "family" of products using a unique palette of muted colors. The contemporary/folk art feel reflects the strong family nature of the business and its history. With grandchildren Doug, Becky and James also active in the day-to-day operations, Renfro Foods, and its Mrs. Renfro's label, continues to grow at a fast pace. Mrs. Renfro's products, which now include a variety of 26 salsas, sauces and relishes, are available at supermarkets, gourmet and gift shops and fruit and vegetable stands in 50 states, Canada and Denmark. TV Dinners: The Renfro's team has appeared on several North Texas cooking shows. Becky and Doug Renfro (center) on the set of "Good Morning Texas," June 1, 2000, with program hosts Beth Wilson and Gina Redmond. Family Portrait: Front row: Jack Renfro, chief operating officer; Bill Renfro, CEO; Dan Fore, national sales director. Back row: James Renfro, vice president; Becky Renfro, vice president; Doug Renfro, president